Press Statement
By Gerd Dani, President of FreeAstroScience
Dear readers,
We are reaching out to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to bringing you fact-based, scientifically grounded information, especially in light of recent developments regarding fact-checking on popular social media platforms. Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – has announced a major shift away from using third-party fact-checkers, opting instead for a user-driven “community notes” system. According to Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, this initiative aims to reduce perceived censorship and prioritize “free expression.” However, many experts fear that it may open the door for misinformation to spread even more widely.
We acknowledge that effective content moderation is a delicate balance. It involves addressing harmful or fraudulent information while also encouraging an open exchange of ideas. Misinformation has become a global concern, affecting not only political discourse but also public health, environmental science, and many other critical areas. By ending its partnership with established fact-checking agencies, Meta’s policy change may risk amplifying echo chambers, where false narratives can proliferate unchallenged.
At FreeAstroScience, our stance remains firm: we will not follow this “harmful new media drift”. We apply rigorous fact-checking procedures that are led by experts who carefully assess the accuracy of the news and scientific data we share [link]. You deserve information held to the highest standards of credibility and impartiality. Our approach to fact-checking involves:
- Verification of Sources: We prioritize peer-reviewed journals, reputable scientific organizations, and governmental agencies that follow evidence-based research methods.
- Multiple Perspectives: We compare findings across different experts and disciplines to minimize potential bias .
- Expert Reviews: We frequently consult legitimate subject-matter experts and scientists to review our content for clarity and accuracy.
Science is an ever-evolving field, and robust dialogue is necessary to drive progress. However, such dialogue must be grounded in factually accurate information. When powerful social networks step back from thorough content verification, misinformation can spread unchecked, sowing public distrust in scientific findings and undermining evidence-based policies.
We address you directly: you deserve an online environment where misleading or inaccurate claims are met with critical evaluation rather than left unverified. We encourage our readers and supporters to remain vigilant against misinformation. Seek out credible sources, compare data from reputable institutions, and always consider the scientific consensus on any topic.
Our pledge is clear:
- We will not waver in applying rigorous editorial standards, especially when public health, cultural heritage, or scientific advancements are at stake.
- We will continue to prioritize transparent and methodical fact-checking procedures that ensure information on our platform is thoroughly vetted.
As we look toward the future, let us champion the virtues of rational discourse and empirical scrutiny. Our community thrives when we support one another in pursuit of knowledge and uphold the ethical principles that guide genuine scientific inquiry. By staying resolute in our fact-checking efforts, we will preserve the integrity of our shared pursuit of truth and protect the global public from the harms of misinformation.
Thank you for your ongoing trust in FreeAstroScience. Together, we can maintain a safe, informative, and empowering space—one that promotes credible science and cultural understanding for all.
Gerd Dani
President, FreeAstroScience
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