Fact or fiction? The two words are polar opposite. But in the growing internet, the line that separates the two is blurring.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Instagram, is one of the largest entities the web has ever seen. And because of that, it knows it has huge responsibilities in helping people know what's true and what's false, by distinguishing what's fact and what's fake.
And here, it introduces an integrated safety campaign called 'Know What’s Real.'
The campaign aims to raise awareness and combat the spread of misinformation in the digital landscape.
The company plans to use the campaign to educate users on how to identify and address misinformation on several platforms Meta operates.
According to Shivnath Thukral, Director, Public Policy India, Meta, in a press statement:
"We have invested in industry leading programs like setting up a robust network of independent fact-checkers that work to debunk false claims and help citizens access reliable information, including collaborating with MCA to launch a WhatsApp tipline to curb AI-generated misinformation."
"The campaign is an extension of our ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of misinformation and serves as a simple safety guide to educate people on the role they can play to combat it."
Meta introduces Know What’s Real as an eight-week campaign that highlight product features and safety measures.
On WhatsApp, they include block, report, forward labels and more. And on Instagram, they include labeling of things like deepfakes, so others can tell that they're not real.
The key points about this campaign:
- Purpose: The campaign seeks to educate users on identifying and addressing misinformation on WhatsApp and Instagram.
- Promoting Digital Best Practices: Encouraging users to exercise caution when encountering suspicious or inaccurate information.
- Verification and Reporting: Users are encouraged to report questionable content.
Meta said that it partners with fact-checkers to verify information.
if a content is labeled as false by fact checkers, Meta will limit the reach of that content, so less people will see it.
" [...] Through the campaign, Meta is encouraging people to not forward or share any inauthentic content and instead report the same to the Grievance Officer or any of the independent fact checking partners to verify information," the company added.
While Meta wants to help people know what's what, the company is literally playing a balancing act.
Know What's Real represents a significant stride towards a more informed and vigilant online community, but it also underscores the delicate balance between combating misinformation and preserving freedom of expression.
With the evolving digital landscape, Meta's initiative is a commendable step in the right direction, but it also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance, adaptability, and collaboration among all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem to foster an environment where truth prevails.