Facebook to start taking down fake news and misinformation
Accused of helping to spur violence in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India, Facebook said it will start removing misinformation that leads to physical harm and violence. Presently, Facebook bans content that directly calls for violence but the new policy will cover fake news that has the potential to stir up physical harm which includes both written posts and manipulated images, CNET reported. Here's more.
Last week, Facebook had said that it wouldn't ban InfoWars, a right-wing website known for pushing conspiracy theories. Mark Zuckerberg yesterday said, "The company wouldn't ban content from Holocaust deniers because I don't think that they're intentionally getting it wrong." Hours later, he tried to clarify his comments by saying he finds Holocaust denial "deeply offensive," and Facebook would suppress these kinds of content.
In India, Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp is facing the flak for allowing the circulation of a large number of irresponsible messages filled with rumors and provocation that has led to growing instances of the lynching of innocent people. The company will work with local organizations to help judge which posts fall under that category, the CNET report said.
Facebook has been accused of not doing enough to remove anti-Muslim posts and fake news that is been linked to violence against the minority Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Such fake news and online hate have also added to sectarian violence in Sri Lanka. Last month, Facebook removed content that alleged Muslims are poisoning food that is given and sold to Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
