In early April 2024, Facebook announced the deprecation of Facebook News in the US and Australia, following a similar move in the UK, France, and Germany in September 2023. This decision aligns with Facebook’s strategy to prioritize investments in products and services that users value the most, such as short form video content.
The usage of Facebook News in Australia and the U.S. has declined by over 80% in the past year, indicating a shift in user preferences away from news and political content on the platform. News content makes up less than 3% of the overall Facebook experience for most users, who primarily use the platform to connect with others and explore their interests.
While Facebook News will be deprecated in these countries, Meta’s other products and services will remain unaffected. News publishers will still be able to share their content on Facebook through links and posts on their accounts and Pages. They can also utilize features like Reels and the ads system to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to their websites, retaining 100% of the revenue generated from outbound links on Facebook.
Despite these changes, Meta remains committed to connecting users to reliable information on its platforms. The company works with third-party fact-checkers to combat misinformation and has established a global fact-checking network with over 90 independent organizations in more than 60 languages. To date, Meta has invested over $150 million in programs supporting fact-checking efforts, demonstrating a commitment to combating the spread of misinformation.
In conclusion, while Facebook News will no longer be available in the US and Australia, Meta’s dedication to providing users with accurate and trustworthy information remains unwavering. The platform continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its users and uphold its responsibility to combat misinformation in the digital age.