Zuckerberg's announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the change argue that it fosters more open dialogue, while critics warn that it could lead to increased misinformation and disinformation online. Ava Lee from Global Witness labeled the decision a political maneuver to align more closely with the incoming administration. Meta will continue its independent fact-checking program in Europe but states that the transition to community notes will initially take effect only in the U.S.

The change signals a significant shift in Meta's moderation policy, moving away from regulated content control amid rising scrutiny from laws aimed at holding big tech companies accountable in the UK and Europe. Observers, including St. John’s University Law professor Kate Klonick, believe this trend reflects a broader pivot toward prioritizing free speech at the potential cost of addressing harmful content. Critics stress that Zuckerberg’s new direction could have grave implications for online safety and societal norms regarding misinformation.