Prince Harry and Meghan Markle warn 'this should deeply concern us all' in new statement
The couple are big advocates for online safety
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a statement condemning Meta’s recent decision to abandon its fact-checking system.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticised the move as a dangerous shift that prioritises profits over public safety, potentially increasing the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and online abuse.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle statement on Meta changes
In a statement published on their Archewell Foundation website, Prince Harry and Meghan urged Meta to reverse its decision.
The couple highlighted the potential harm to marginalised communities and the broader public.
“The latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech,” they wrote.
Contrary to the company’s talking points, allowing more abuse and normalising hate speech serves to silence speech and expression, not foster it.
“This should deeply concern us all. Contrary to the company’s talking points, allowing more abuse and normalising hate speech serves to silence speech and expression, not foster it.”
Meta owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It recently announced plans to replace its fact-checking system with a “community notes” feature.
However, the change has been met with widespread criticism.
Meta fact-checking changes
The Sussexes’ statement condemned Meta’s decision as a betrayal of its commitment to creating safe and inclusive online spaces.
“As they announce these changes undoubtedly responding to political winds, they once again abandon public safety in favour of profit, chaos, and control,” the couple continued.
The duke and duchess also criticised Meta’s plans to scale back diversity.
They described the rollback as “knowingly putting everyone in harm’s way and contributing to a global mental health crisis”.
Harry and Meghan called for immediate action from Meta and other industry leaders to prioritise online safety.
“Meta’s changes to its ‘Hateful Content Policies’ do not protect free expression but instead foster an environment where abuse and hate speech silence and threaten the voices of whole communities who make up a healthy democracy,” they stated.
This statement highlights the Sussexes’ dedication to online safety.
Through their Archewell Foundation, they have supported organisations like the Center for Critical Internet Inquiry, the 5Rights Foundation, and Parents Together.
“We at The Archewell Foundation remain committed to promoting accountability, safeguarding information integrity, and protecting all communities in the digital age,” the couple added.
Harry and Meghan urge Meta to ‘reconsider policies’
Harry and Meghan concluded their statement with a call for accountability: “We urge Meta to reconsider and reinstate policies to protect all users. We also call on leaders across industries to uphold their commitments to integrity and public safety in online spaces.”
Meanwhile, Meghan recently hit headlines when it was announced that her upcoming Netflix show had been delayed.
The duchess postponed the release of her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, originally set for January 15, to March 4 due to the devastating wildfires in southern California.
In a statement via Netflix, Meghan thanked the platform for its support.
“I’m grateful to Netflix for allowing this delay as we prioritise helping those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California,” she wrote.
The fires began on January 7. They have claimed at least 24 lives and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate.
While Montecito, where Meghan and Prince Harry live, remains at risk, the couple has been actively volunteering with World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, distributing food, toys, and essential supplies.
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