The Papers: 'Meta reins in fact-checking' and A&E 'flu crisis'

Tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has decided to stop using independent fact-checking organizations, a move that has drawn attention from several newspapers. The Financial Times reports that the company will instead rely on users to report false information, citing a statement that this move is intended to "allow for more speech." The paper also notes that this move comes as the company is "preparing for Donald Trump's return to the US presidency."

The i newspaper points out that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, along with rival platform X owner Elon Musk, has criticized European governments' attempts to regulate social media. The paper cites a video message released by Zuckerberg on Tuesday, in which he stated that Europe is "institutionalizing censorship" and pledged to help Trump "fight back against governments targeting American companies."

According to The Guardian, this move has sparked "frustration" among internet safety advocates. The paper quotes the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which tracks online hate speech, as saying it is "a major step backwards in content moderation, at a time when disinformation and harmful content are spreading faster than ever." Activist Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly died by suicide after viewing content promoting suicide on social media, believes that Meta's move "could have terrible consequences for many children and young people."

The Daily Express reports that the UK is bracing for its coldest night in four years, with temperatures potentially dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius in some areas. The paper adds that "the brutal cold has sparked concerns for the health of vulnerable people." The paper's front page also features a photo of Zendaya, reporting on the "sparkling" engagement ring she wore after getting engaged to actor Tom Holland.

According to the Daily Mail, over a dozen hospitals have declared a state of emergency due to a growing flu outbreak. The paper states that the number of cases is already about twice the peak of last year, with around 5,000 beds per day being occupied by patients infected with the virus. The paper also adds that officials "expect the crisis to worsen this week as children return to school after the Christmas break." The paper also features a photo of actors Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner kissing at the Golden Globes, a move that "angered fans."

The Times reports that patients may have to wait up to two days in some areas' emergency rooms, while senior doctors have expressed concern about "unsafe and unacceptable care" that could lead to loss of life. The paper quotes Health Secretary Wes Streeting as saying he is "ashamed" of the plight patients are facing and acknowledges that major improvements in care will not be achieved until next winter. The paper's front page image is a snowy scene on Eildon Hill on the Scottish border, presenting "utter perfection."

The Daily Telegraph reports that a whistleblower has accused the UK's Special Air Service (SAS) of committing war crimes in Afghanistan. The paper states that the soldier, who previously served in another unit, said in a public inquiry that members of an alleged rogue unit had a "deliberate policy" of executing Afghan civilians and targeting all males of fighting age, including some under the age of 16, even if they posed no threat. The inquiry was launched following a BBC Panorama investigation and is examining extrajudicial killings that occurred in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

The Daily Mirror leads with a story that more than 700 current and former McDonald's employees are suing the company, alleging that it failed to protect them. The paper quotes Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, asking the company's UK head, Alistair Macrow, whether it had become "a predator's paradise."

According to the Metro, the Labour Party has apologized for posting a video on TikTok that featured a soundtrack promoting drugs and sexual violence against women. The video showcased a series of AI-generated animals representing policies aimed at "making Britain better," but the background music was a Portuguese song by musician DJ Holanda. The video has since been removed. The paper also features a photo of influencer Kate Ferdinand, wife of former footballer Rio Ferdinand, who told the paper how she learned to become a stepmother.

The Sun reports that Coronation Street is losing its fifth star in a month. The paper states that Charlotte Jordan, who plays barmaid Daisy Midgeley, will be leaving the show later this year. The paper adds that several stars have recently left or been written out of the show due to an "ITV cash crisis."

The Daily Star features a cartoon of a snowman chasing Nigel Farage. The paper headlines with advice provided by actor Brian Blessed on how to survive a snowman attack. "Spoiler alert," the paper says, "it involves running away very, very quickly."