Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly expressed their discontent with Meta's recent changes to its fact-checking policies, claiming that the revisions "directly undermine free speech". In a statement, the royal couple argued that the updated policies do not protect free expression, but instead create an environment where abuse and hate can silence marginalized communities.

Their criticism comes on the heels of Meta's announcement to relax its moderation policies, a move that has sparked widespread concern among users, experts, and advocacy groups. The changes have been seen as a significant shift in Meta's approach to regulating online content, with many arguing that they will embolden hate speech and disinformation.

Meghan Markle, who recently rejoined Instagram after a three-year hiatus, has personal experience with online abuse. She has spoken publicly about the harassment she faced after marrying Prince Harry, and has reportedly had "constructive conversations" with Meta executives about online safety. Her re-entry into the social media sphere has been seen as a significant development, given her influence and reach.

The royal couple's statement also took aim at Meta's decision to abandon its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments. This move has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it will exacerbate existing inequalities and create a more toxic online environment.

Eugen Rochko, CEO of decentralized social media platform Mastodon, has also spoken out against Meta's changes, describing them as "deeply troubling" and "a concern to anyone with a conscience". Michael McConnell, co-chair of Meta's oversight board, has expressed similar concerns, noting that the oversight board was not consulted on the changes.

The backlash against Meta's revised policies highlights the ongoing struggle to balance free expression with online safety. As social media platforms continue to grapple with the challenges of moderating online content, the stakes have never been higher. The involvement of high-profile figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle serves as a reminder that the consequences of these decisions will be felt far beyond the tech industry.

As the debate surrounding Meta's changes continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of online free speech and safety hangs in the balance. With the royal couple's statement, the spotlight is now on Meta to respond to these concerns and provide a clearer vision for its role in shaping the online discourse.