Thursday, 24 April 2025
26.1 C
Singapore
29 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
28.4 C
Philippines

Meta enhances fact-checking for Threads

Meta expands its fact-checking program to Threads, enhancing efforts to combat misinformation ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Election and other global polls.

As the 2024 US Presidential Election draws near, Meta has announced expanding its fact-checking program to include its Threads app. This move comes as Threads, a platform similar to Twitter, sees increased popularity worldwide.

Expanding fact-checking to Threads

Next year, Meta’s third-party fact-checkers will assess and label false information on Threads. If a fact-checker deems content on Facebook or Instagram as false, that rating extends to similar content on Threads. However, until now, they couldn’t rate Threads content independently.

Threads has gained over 100 million users and continues to grow as it introduces new features and communities, especially among sports enthusiasts. For instance, the recent focus on NBA communities has significantly boosted engagement. Yet, with rising usage comes the heightened risk of misinformation, prompting Meta to enhance its fact-checking measures.

User control over sensitive content

Meta plans to give Threads users more control over sensitive content. This follows similar updates for Instagram and Facebook, where users in the US can manage their exposure to fact-checked and sensitive content. The settings for Instagram will also apply to Threads, providing a consistent experience across platforms.

The debate over fact-checking

Fact-checking has been a hot topic this year, with X owner Elon Musk criticising it as “government censorship” and suggesting it’s part of a conspiracy to control narratives. However, investigations into government interference at Twitter 1.0 haven’t substantiated broad-scale censorship claims.

Still, the need for fact-checking to curb harmful misinformation is vital. Misinformation can reach and influence millions, making platform owners responsible for mitigating its spread. Musk’s recent changes, including reinstating accounts known for spreading misinformation, are concerning in this regard.

The impact of social media on elections

The role of social media in influencing election outcomes highlighted post-2016 US Presidential Election, remains a critical issue. Manipulation campaigns, along with movements like Q Anon and anti-vaxxers, have shown the power of social media in spreading misinformation. Musk’s actions may amplify such misinformation as we approach another election, potentially affecting the election results.

Moving forward

Meta’s initiative in expanding fact-checking to Threads is a proactive step in combating misinformation. As elections worldwide approach, it’s crucial to counter misinformation and uphold factual integrity. There’s no place for “alternative facts” in complex scientific matters, and experts, not conspiracies, should guide our understanding.

Meta’s move to tackle misinformation on Threads is a significant step towards maintaining factual integrity in social media, especially with elections around the corner.

Hot this week

Veeam introduces data resilience maturity model to address gap in organisational preparedness

Veeam launches a global data resilience model to help businesses address the growing gap between perceived and actual IT preparedness.

LG reveals a smart monitor on wheels—but it still needs to be plugged in

LG’s new 31.5" Smart Monitor Swing rolls on wheels and runs webOS, but it still needs a power plug and costs around US$740.

Rivian adds Cohere CEO to its board, showing confidence in AI direction

Rivian welcomes Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez to its board, marking a big move into AI and advanced tech for future vehicle innovation.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories