Khaberni - Facebook is conducting a test of a new system that could drastically change the way content is shared, through studying imposing financial restrictions on publishing external links..
This change could pose an additional challenge to media outlets and publishers relying on the platform to reach their audience..
Meta, the owner of Facebook, announced the start of a "limited test" allowing non-subscribers to the paid service Meta Verified - which starts at 12.99 US dollars per month - to post only two external links per month, while subscribers to the service enjoy nearly unlimited posting freedom.
The test currently focuses on a specific category of pages and profiles using "Professional Mode," primarily aimed at content creators and influencers who rely on the platform for their earnings..
While news organizations are currently exempt from this test, it raises concerns among publishers that in its final version, it may limit the ability of regular users to freely share articles and news reports, affecting the spread of media content..
This development is part of Meta's gradual strategic shift away from news content, after its controversial decision in 2023 to deprioritize this content in favor of focusing instead on video clips and short engaging content..
This decision previously resulted in a traffic reduction from Facebook to news sites by more than 50% according to some estimates, despite some limited signs of recovery this year..
This trial is part of a broader strategy to encourage users to subscribe to paid services, where the cost of Meta Verified ranges from 12.99 dollars for the basic level to about 500 dollars monthly for the higher levels, including features such as the blue verification badge, increased visibility, and advanced security features..
Details of the test appeared through in-app messages warning users that they will be limited to posting two free links per month starting from December 16, encouraging them to subscribe to the paid service for more benefits..
Media expert David Bottle commented: "Meta has been deliberately retracting from news for years. This test confirms the platform's shift from a free model to focusing on profiting from audience access, possibly due to its major investments in artificial intelligence after the costly Metaverse venture".
In turn, a Meta spokesperson clarified that the goal of the test is to "understand whether the ability to post more link-containing posts adds value for subscribers of the paid service and helps improve the service for them".
