Mark Zuckerberg sends Trump a friend request

Jan 10, 2025

The shift in Meta's content moderation raises questions about misinformation in the wake of Trump's planned return. California's wildfires spark a heated political debate, with personal stories revealing the broader narrative. A journalist shares insights from inside Jimmy Carter's funeral, capturing the emotional atmosphere among past and present leaders. Additionally, the motivations behind tech companies moving to Texas highlight the evolving landscape of the industry. The podcast delves into the complexities of managing harmful content on smaller platforms amidst these challenges.

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ANECDOTE

Trump Ban Anniversary

Meta's fact-checking policy change was announced four years after Donald Trump's platform ban.
Trump was banned for his January 7, 2021, comments related to the Capitol events.

INSIGHT

Zuckerberg's Reasoning

Silicon Valley billionaires like Zuckerberg are responding to a cultural vibe shift.
This shift prioritizes free speech, influenced by figures like Trump.

INSIGHT

Global Social Media Concerns

Governments worldwide are increasingly concerned about social media's impact, particularly on children.
This concern has led to discussions about regulation and even potential bans.

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Social media giant Meta says it will abandon independent fact-checking practices on Facebook and Instagram. Is the new policy an attempt to improve relations with Donald Trump before he takes office later this month? And what does the switch-up mean for the spread of misinformation on Meta’s platforms?

Meanwhile, Los Angeles is grappling with the most destructive fires in the city’s history - and the response has already transformed into a political lightning rod.

Also, Justin and Sarah are joined by Anthony, fresh from Jimmy Carter’s funeral, who tells us all about what it was like inside the cathedral with presidents past, present, and future.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, with Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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