At the latest with the US election campaign in 2016, the scope of fake news became clear. It's not just wrong content, it's relevant messages are also spread in a targeted manner. Facebook and Twitter are therefore currently struggling with allegations of controlling and correcting this massive influence. The online magazine Heat Street reported on an automatic filter that twitter will use for all tweets in the future. Facebook will with external companies Get to the bottom of fake news.
Twitter issues time penalties
A lot of fake news that is used by fringe parties, but also by many in the election campaign as a passive influence, should be prevented in the future. Twitter updated the news service's software so that certain swear words are recognized and blocked if they are used more than once. The user's reach is then limited to the followers for 12 hours. However, it is questionable whether this is really a barrier that will prevent users from expressing their own opinions inappropriately in the future.
However, it is not only the keyword filter that should say for order. Loud Mashable there is a smarter solution behind the simple filter. The program compares answers from accounts that have already been blocked with those of other users. If a similar reaction can be seen from these users, they can also be blocked. So-called "multiple accounts" (one e-mail address) can also be blocked at the same time.
Correctiv conducts truth testing
facebook has a more elaborate way to go. The social media giant works with external companies to investigate and block reported fake news. In a blog post, Facebook announced that the non-profit research association "Correctiv“ to have been selected for the collaboration. False news will not be blocked. The corresponding content should be marked with a warning that classifies it as implausible and includes a link to the reasoning of the fact checkers.
Focus Online may also get involved
According to the latest information from February 17, Focus Online is also in talks to enter into a partnership with facebook. After mirror statements Zeit Online is also thinking about it and the editors officially announced that the option is currently being examined. Focus Online itself has already come under criticism, since the Bild Zeitung sued the portal for damages in January for systematic theft of content. An image improvement would therefore be a welcome opportunity for Focus Online. Nevertheless, it is well-known and high-quality editorial offices that can slowly relieve facebook of the political pressure.
A problem of today, which does not seem to be under control for a long time. But the fact that work is being done creates hope for a speedy recovery!
