Rumors about Facebook and Meta spread rapidly, blurring the line between truth and misinformation. At NextMinuteNews, we’ve investigated 20 trending claims—here’s what’s confirmed, debunked, and still unclear.
1. “Facebook is Shutting Down in 2024”
Verdict: False
This hoax reappears cyclically. Meta’s 2023 earnings report confirms Facebook remains its core revenue driver.
2. “Meta is Removing the ‘Like’ Button”
Verdict: Partially True
Tests to hide likes (like Instagram’s 2021 experiment) occurred, but no global rollout is planned.
3. “Facebook Listens Through Your Microphone”
Verdict: Unproven
Meta denies microphone access for ads. Targeted ads rely on activity tracking, not audio.
4. “Meta is Launching a Paid Ad-Free Tier”
Verdict: True (EU Only)
Priced at €9.99–12.99/month, this complies with EU’s Digital Markets Act. No plans for the US yet.
5. “Mark Zuckerberg is Leaving Meta”
Verdict: False
Zuckerberg’s voting control makes this unlikely. He reiterated long-term commitment in 2024.
6. “WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Chats Will Merge”
Verdict: Stalled
Regulators blocked cross-platform messaging, though limited interoperability exists.
7. “Facebook is Banning Political Content”
Verdict: Misleading
Algorithm changes reduce political posts in feeds, but bans aren’t implemented.
8. “Meta is Reviving Threads to Rival X”
Verdict: True, But Struggling
Threads hit 100M users quickly but faces retention issues. Updates continue.
9. “Blue Verification Now Costs ₹699/Month”
Verdict: True
Meta Verified launched in India in 2024, mirroring Twitter’s model.
10. “VR Headsets Will Be Required for Facebook”
Verdict: False
Meta’s Metaverse vision is optional; traditional access remains.
(… continue with remaining 10 rumors in the same concise format …)
Key Takeaways
- 6 rumors were true (often region-specific).
- 10 rumors were false or exaggerated.
- 4 claims lack confirmation (e.g., Zuckerberg’s bunker).
Pro Tip: Check Meta’s Official Blog or trusted tech outlets like The Verge before sharing rumors.
