TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan FactCheck Center (台灣事實查核中心) faces a potential crisis as Meta may withdraw its financial support in the coming weeks, according to a Dec. 12 report by Nikkei Asia. This decision could jeopardize the center's operations, which rely heavily on donations, with Meta contributing about half of its 2025 budget and Google providing over 30%.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, announced earlier this year that the company would end collaborations with U.S. fact-checking organizations. Observers believe he made this move to avoid conflicts with the Trump administration. Chiu Chia-i (邱家宜), the center's CEO, expressed concerns, noting that the center could face a critical situation if funding is cut, with the contract potentially expiring in January 2026.
The V-Dem Institute (瑞典多元民主中心) reported that Taiwan has been the most targeted by disinformation attacks worldwide for 11 consecutive years, primarily originating from China. The center receives 200 to 300 suspected disinformation reports daily and prioritizes fact-checking based on public interest.
Staffed by 14 former journalists, the center struggles with limited resources. Chiu acknowledged this challenge and confirmed ongoing negotiations with Meta for funding support. She also urged Taiwan's business community to contribute financially. Although the center raises funds through online activities, it remains uncertain whether these efforts can cover the financial gap left by Meta's potential withdrawal.
