Title: Forbes Daily: Meta Ditches Fact-Checking in "Free Expression" Transformation
Title: Forbes Daily: Meta Ditches Fact-Checking in "Free Expression" Transformation
Good morning!
Corporations in the United States are stepping back from their pledges to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), following a wave of conservative backlash.
After the Supreme Court's 2023 decision that ruled against affirmative action at universities, McDonald's announced on Monday it would phase out specific diversity targets for hiring and cease participating in external surveys that monitor the company's demographics. The fast-food chain also decided to rebrand its diversity team as the "Global Inclusion Team." This move comes after a series of similar decisions from companies like Walmart, Boeing, Ford, and Harley-Davidson.
While many companies are scaling back their DEI commitments, Costco continues to uphold its pledge. The retail giant's board released a statement saying, "Our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary."
Elsewhere in the news:
Meta's Fact-checking Program to be Replaced:
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed plans to replace the company's fact-checking program with a community notes feature inspired by X. The change, which aims to boost "free expression" on Meta's platforms, took many fact-checkers by surprise. The shift is expected to impact newsrooms and not-for-profits that have collaborated with Meta on fact-checking initiatives.
South Carolina Wildfires Continue to Spread:
Wildfires in South Carolina, particularly the Pacific Palisades wildfire and another in the San Gabriel Mountains, have grown rapidly, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The situation is expected to worsen due to fast-moving winds on Wednesday.
Enrichment Data:
The abandonment of DEI commitments by various corporations is a notable trend. Here is a closer look at how companies like Amazon, Meta, McDonald's, Walmart, and John Deere have changed their policies:
- Amazon: Amazon removed policies aimed at protecting workers, including solidarity pledges with Black employees and health care benefits for transgender workers. Additionally, the company changed the name of its "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" section to "Inclusive Experiences and Technology" and eliminated specific DEI-related policies.
- Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads): Meta ended its major DEI programs, such as the DEI team, and shifted focus to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. The platform also stopped prioritizing partnering with diverse businesses and instead implemented fair and consistent practices to mitigate bias.
- McDonald's: McDonald's retired its aspirational representation goals, ceased DEI requirements for suppliers, and paused external surveys centered on inclusion. The company's actions were motivated by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision against affirmative action in college admissions (Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard).
- Walmart: Walmart halted participation in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index and made changes to its DEI policies. Additionally, the company monitored its marketplace to ensure the absence of inappropriate sexual or transgender products marketed towards children. Walmart's decision was reportedly driven by conservative activist Robby Starbuck.
- John Deere: John Deere stopped participating in cultural awareness events and shifted its Business Resource Groups' focus to work-related topics. The company reassured its commitment to a diverse workforce but emphasized efforts that align with business strategy.
Experts have argued that some companies might be making superficial changes that may ultimately harm employee trust and company performance.
- Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announced plans to replace Meta's fact-checking program with a community notes feature, which has caught many fact-checkers by surprise.
- Nvidia, a technology company, is reportedly considering a bid for Greenland, following the footsteps of Donald Trump who expressed interest in buying the autonomous Danish territory.
- In court, former Trump aide Steve Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress, and Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen was ordered to pay $2 million in hush money fees.
- TikTok's proposed deal with Oracle and Walgreens was derailed, leaving the mobile app's future in the United States uncertain.
- The Palisades wildfire in South Carolina, along with another in the San Gabriel Mountains, continue to spread rapidly, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Firefighters are battling the blaze, with wind conditions expected to worsen.