Meta changes hate speech rules, dropping LGBTQ protections

Meta has revised its content moderation policies, removing certain LGBTQ protections from its hate speech rules. Users can now accuse LGBTQ individuals of mental illness, despite prior prohibitions. The updated rules also allow arguments for gender-based job limitations linked to religious beliefs.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to simplify policies and enhance free expression, stating, "What started as a movement to be more inclusive has increasingly been used to shut down opinions."

Alongside these changes, Meta will eliminate its third-party fact-checking and introduce a community-based program called Community Notes. Zuckerberg highlighted that recent elections influenced these policy shifts as he seeks to prioritize speech.