Facebook and misinformation
Facebook has often claimed it aims to “help curb the spread of misinformation and false news” whilst also wanting “to see accurate information on Facebook”. Source.
News Corp Australia reports that in Australia Facebook has banned “news content... also scrubbed the pages of several non-news outlets, from government agencies, support and emergency services, unions, retail stores, and even itself”. Potential consequences of Facebook’s actions:
- “There’s a real possibility if there are fires or emergency situations people who normally go to Facebook for that information and don’t understand what’s going on this morning might not know something vital and critical they need to know for an emergency.”
- “Three days before our COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Australians using Facebook as their primary source of news can no longer get access to credible information about vaccination.” Source.
Okay then.