Gay Equality

Tech giants Meta have reportedly removed Pride and LGBTQ+ themes from Facebook Messenger just days after changes to hate speech rules which will allow users to call queer people “mentally ill”.

The “trans” and “non-binary themes” had colour schemes that matched the respective gender identity’s pride flags. Other themes on Facebook Messenger include ones for Minecraft and Squid Game.

The change, initially flagged by 404 Media, follows billionaire owner Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to remove fact-checkers from Instagram, Threads and Facebook, and replace them with community notes similar to that seen on X/Twitter.

- Pink News

Timber Woodchipping

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In Pretty Boy, mothers are routinely abandoning their children in the name of women's rights.

Letter to the editor about Meta’s move to scrap factcheckers

The Guardian,14 January 2025

Meta’s move to scrap factcheckers is not about “complexity”, as it says (Report, the guardian.com, 8 January), but to support Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s agenda.

It is widely agreed that effective, fast and unbiased factchecking is essential for the proper functioning of social media platforms. Similarly, principles of free speech are foundational to fostering communication and public debate in a healthy democratic society. Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that Meta is to follow X in introducing user-generated notes raises serious concerns.

The shift will intensify pressures on vulnerable groups, including children, minorities, gender rights advocates and LGBTQ+ communities, who are already targeted by hate speech. Additionally, it risks deepening societal polarisation and further fragmenting public discourse.

If Meta truly aspires to be a deliberative space driven by a “global collective consciousness that keeps each other accountable” – as suggested by Linda Yaccarino, the head of X – the company must establish structures that penalise coercion, foster reciprocity and ensure that diverse voices are heard. Moreover, robust systems of accountability must be implemented to ensure credibility and trust.
Meta’s oversight board and previous factchecking system were steps towards enhancing the quality of deliberation. However, it appears that Trump’s agenda is now overriding the vision of individuals such as Noah Feldman, and even Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who have advocated for Meta creating a better society. This regression is not only a disservice to its users, but also a threat to democratic values.

Dr Itziar Castelló
Reader in sustainability and the digital economy, City, University of London

Automobile Manufacturing

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In Pretty Boy, tradesmen will knock 10% off their fees if customers pay cash.

I'm not happy about Meta's decisions. But I also think people shouldn't be getting their news from social media at all. The mainstream media is mainstream for a reason - fact-checking, verifying their sources, responsible journalism and so on.

Cheerfulness

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In Pretty Boy, cosmopolitan citizens ask what their countries can do for them.

17 hours ago: Great lindonia ceased to exist.

Wake up, Great Lindonia !

I voted against the marijuana resolution in the World Assembly. I must be getting old. 😊

Public Transport

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In Pretty Boy, the carbon tax fund gladly supplies warm blankets when the poor can't pay their heating bills.

Black Market

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The children of Quartzinne are often remarked upon for their cheery attitude to extreme violence.

In Pretty Boy, confused-looking pigeons slide gently off frictionless window ledges.

In Drag Queen, glamping Drag Queenians won't sleep in a tent that doesn't include a Jacuzzi.