Meta Withdraws Funding from Taiwan's Largest Fact-Checker, Citing 'Existential Crisis'

Meta Platforms withdrew funding from the Taiwan FactCheck Center (TFC), the country's largest anti-disinformation organization. The move, reported by Nikkei Asia, leaves the TFC facing an "existential crisis."

Established in 2018, the TFC relied heavily on Meta for nearly half of its revenue. Google currently provides over 30% of the organization's funding.

The withdrawal raises significant concerns given Taiwan is a primary target for global disinformation campaigns, largely originating from China. The timing is critical, preceding next year's local government elections. Experts anticipate this period will see a surge in AI-exacerbated disinformation.

The TFC stated that Meta has not responded to requests for continued support. Consequently, the organization is seeking alternative financial backing from private enterprises in Taiwan.