Facebook trials 'fake news' warnings
The social networking site will warn users if the story they are sharing is 'disputed' by fact-checkers
Facebook has begun to roll out a new feature intended to alert users if they are about to share or read false news stories.
After widespread criticism for its role in propagating so-called 'fake news' during last year's US election, the social networking giant announced in December it would join forces with independent fact-checkers.
Users in the US reported seeing a red warning triangle when they attempted to share a false story about an alleged Irish slave trade. When they clicked on the warning, a second pop-up appeared which read: "Sometimes people share fake news without knowing it. When independent fact-checkers dispute this content, you may be able to visit their websites to find out why."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Others users saw an alert that stated the article had been disputed by Snopes, a long-running website which debunks urban legends and fake news stories, and the Associated Press, one of the largest global news agencies.
The Poynter Institute, a non-profit journalism institute based in Florida, launched an International Fact-Checker's Network in 2015, promoting best practice among fact-checking sites. Facebook has decided to list sites signed up to its code of conduct as official fact-checkers.
Not everybody is happy with the new service. Paul Joseph Watson, right-wing blogger and editor of the conspiracy theory site Infowars, questioned the authority of Facebook's sources. "Snopes is a bias [sic], far-left outfit," he tweeted. "It is not a responsible 'fact-checker'."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published