Meta is gearing up to launch its Community Notes feature on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads next week, marking a significant shift in its approach to fact-checking and content moderation. The feature, which was first announced in January, will allow users to write and rate notes on content, with the goal of providing more accurate and unbiased information.

The Community Notes feature is designed to replace Meta's existing fact-checking program, which has been criticized for being prone to bias. By adopting an open-source rating algorithm used by X, Meta aims to create a more transparent and community-driven approach to content moderation. The algorithm will ensure that notes are rated based on their accuracy and helpfulness, rather than the identity of the contributor.

According to Meta, around 200,000 potential contributors have already signed up for the waitlist, indicating strong interest in the feature. However, not everyone will be able to write and rate Community Notes at launch, as Meta will "gradually and randomly" admit contributors to the program. To contribute, users must be over 18, have an account in good standing over six months old, and have a verified phone number or two-factor authentication.

Community Notes will have a character limit of 500 and will require a link to back up the information provided. Once notes become visible to users, they won't have author names attached to them, to ensure that ratings are based on the content rather than the contributor's identity. The feature will be available in six languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Portuguese.

Notably, Community Notes will not be available for advertisements at launch, but contributors can still add notes to "almost any other forms of content," including posts from Meta and its executives, politicians, and more. Meta plans to expand the feature globally in the future, but will continue to use its third-party fact-checking system outside the US.

The launch of Community Notes marks a significant shift in Meta's approach to content moderation, and could have far-reaching implications for the social media landscape. By empowering users to contribute to the fact-checking process, Meta aims to create a more transparent and accountable platform. However, the success of the feature will depend on its ability to attract and retain a diverse range of contributors, and to ensure that the algorithm is effective in identifying and promoting accurate information.

As Meta continues to navigate the complexities of content moderation, the launch of Community Notes will be closely watched by industry observers and users alike. With its potential to democratize the fact-checking process and promote more accurate information, the feature could have a significant impact on the way we consume and interact with online content.