WHAT IS FAKE NEWS AND WHAT ARE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS DOING ABOUT IT?
With so many sources of information on the internet, it can be challenging to discern what content is based on fact and what is based on rumour, half-truths or lies.
Digital platforms enable users to share content instantly, creating a powerful ripple effect whether this content is true or not. This can be a particular problem for children and young people whose views may be distorted, potentially putting them at risk of harm in the real world.
Fake news is essentially news or stories published on the internet that are not true, containingmisinformation or disinformation. While misinformation is misleading content created without malicious intent, disinformation is created and shared with deliberate intent to cause harm.
Several social media platforms have taken steps to tackle the issue of misleading content being published on their channels. Take for example Twitter, which challenged accounts and removed a large number of tweets in response to misinformation about COVID-19. Facebook launched its first fact-checking initiative in 2016, implementing the programme in numerous countries and working in partnership with certified independent fact-checking organisations.
You can learn more about the importance of people and businesses takinga proactive approach to online reputation management and tackling fake news by visiting the blog Tony McChrystal
