Mark Zuckerberg sports $900,000 watch as he calls time on Meta fact-checking
Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Facebook video wearing a nearly $900,000 Greubel Forsey watch and announced that Meta will drop third‑party fact‑checking, lift restrictions on topics like immigration and gender, and work with President Donald Trump to challenge government censorship. The move marks a…
In a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday, Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg showcased a rare Swiss timepiece valued at almost $900,000 and used the platform to unveil a sweeping overhaul of the company’s content‑moderation strategy. The billionaire, now worth roughly $218 billion according to Forbes, declared that Meta would eliminate its reliance on third‑party fact‑checkers, expand the recommendation of political content, and partner with President Donald Trump to push back against what he described as “censorious” governments worldwide.
Luxury watch as a backdrop for policy change
The watch on Zuckerberg’s left wrist is a Greubel Forsey “Hand Made 1,” a model that retails for $895,500 before taxes. Greubel Forsey produces only two or three of these pieces each year, and each requires about 6,000 hours of hand‑crafted work. The decision to appear on camera with such an exclusive accessory has drawn attention not only for its extravagance but also for the stark contrast with Zuckerberg’s early‑day image of gray T‑shirts and hoodie‑clad simplicity.
In recent months the Meta founder has been spotted wearing a parade of high‑end watches, from a $1 million Richard Mille at Indian billionaire Anant Ambani’s wedding to pieces by Patek Philippe, Jaeger‑LeCoultre, De Bethune and FP Journe. Those sightings have helped cement a new personal brand that blends Silicon Valley wealth with haute horology.
Meta’s announced shift away from fact‑checking
Zuckerberg’s video outlined three core changes. First, Meta will cease using external fact‑checking organisations that have, until now, provided labels on false or misleading posts across Facebook and Instagram. The company argues that third‑party fact‑checkers have become “politically biased” and that their removal will restore a “free‑speech‑first” environment.
Second, the social‑media giant plans to increase the recommendation of political content, a move that could amplify election‑related posts, campaign ads and commentary from a broader range of voices. Critics warn that without independent verification, misinformation could spread more rapidly.
Third, Meta intends to roll back a series of content restrictions introduced over the past two years, including rules governing discussions on immigration, gender identity and other socially sensitive topics. Zuckerberg described those rules as “out of touch with mainstream discourse.”
Collaboration with Donald Trump and a broader anti‑censorship agenda
The video also featured a political overture: Meta will “work with President Trump to push back on governments around the world that are going after American companies and pushing to censor more.” The statement follows Trump’s return to the White House after the 2024 election and signals a willingness to align the platform’s policy direction with the administration’s stance on free speech and regulation.
While Meta has not detailed the mechanics of this partnership, the implication is that the company may prioritize content that aligns with the Trump administration’s criticism of “big tech” censorship, potentially influencing how political narratives are amplified or suppressed on its platforms.
Reactions from regulators, advocacy groups and the tech community
U.S. lawmakers and European regulators have already signaled concern over Meta’s plan to discard third‑party fact‑checking. In the United States, several congressional committees are reviewing the role of social media in election integrity, and the Federal Trade Commission has previously warned platforms about the spread of false information.
European Union officials, still implementing the Digital Services Act, have emphasized the need for “transparent and accountable” moderation practices. The removal of independent fact‑checkers could put Meta at odds with the new EU requirements, which mandate that platforms take “reasonable steps” to limit the dissemination of illegal or harmful content.
Digital‑rights organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Democracy & Technology have expressed cautious optimism about a “free‑speech‑first” approach but stressed that any reduction in verification mechanisms must be balanced with safeguards against misinformation, especially in the run‑up to the 2024 U.S. elections.
What comes next for Meta and its users?
Meta has not provided a timeline for implementing the announced changes, but industry analysts expect a phased rollout over the coming months. The company will likely update its community‑standards documentation, adjust its advertising policies, and modify its algorithmic recommendation engines to reflect the new priorities.
Users of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and the newer Threads app may notice a shift in the type of content that appears in their feeds, with fewer warnings on disputed posts and a broader array of political material. Advertisers, particularly those in regulated industries, will need to monitor how the policy shift affects brand safety tools.
Whether Zuckerberg’s luxury‑watch‑clad announcement will translate into a sustainable, less‑moderated ecosystem remains to be seen. The move has already sparked debate about the balance between free expression and the responsibility of platforms that host billions of daily interactions.
Why it matters
Meta’s decision to drop third‑party fact‑checking could reshape how misinformation spreads on the world’s largest social networks, affecting public discourse and regulatory scrutiny.
Key points
- Zuckerberg announced Meta will eliminate third‑party fact‑checkers
- The company will lift restrictions on topics such as immigration and gender
- Meta plans to work with President Trump to challenge government censorship
- Zuckerberg appeared wearing a $895,500 Greubel Forsey “Hand Made 1” watch
- Regulators and digital‑rights groups warn the changes could amplify misinformation
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greubel Forsey “Hand Made 1” watch that Zuckerberg wore?
It is a limited‑edition Swiss timepiece that retails for about $895,500, with only two or three pieces made each year and roughly 6,000 hand‑crafted hours per watch.
Why is Meta dropping third‑party fact‑checking?
Zuckerberg said external fact‑checkers have become politically biased and that removing them will restore a free‑speech‑first environment on Meta’s platforms.
How will the partnership with Donald Trump affect Meta’s policies?
Meta intends to collaborate with the Trump administration to oppose governments it views as censorious, which could influence how political content is promoted or restricted on its services.
What are the potential regulatory risks of these changes?
U.S. lawmakers and the EU’s Digital Services Act could view the removal of independent verification as non‑compliant, leading to investigations or fines.
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