Facebook, Google announce campaign to fight fake news

In order to prevent creators from profiting from fake news, posts labeled as disputed information can not be converted into advertising or be the subject of a sponsored post. German officials have continued to express serious concerns that fake news stories and hate speech online could influence the upcoming election in which chancellor Angela Merkel is seeking a fourth term in office.

Tech giants Alphabet Inc.

Facebook and Google, along with newsrooms in France (including France 24, the partner for Mashable’s French-language edition), are joining forces on a new project that will help verify or debunk viral information online. The initiative, called Electionland, was aimed at reporting evidence of voter suppression during the contest.

This platform is going to bring together many local media companies in order to make a website.

Seventeen news rooms across France will work to verify content, with the public encouraged to send in links to disputed sites and social content.

“As with journalists’ safety, media do not need to compete when it comes to fighting disinformation and manipulation”, said Michèle Léridon, AFP’s news director. Now with CrossCheck, news organizations will be able to tap collectively fact-checked sources for their own articles and broadcasts. It is mentioned that people can email crosscheck@firstdraftnews.com for information. Facebook, Google (GOOGL, Tech30) and other companies have been under intense criticism over their approach to the problem. Facebook mentioned that they are going to help the platform with media literacy and tools. According to The Verge, Facebook will actively attempt to discourage users from sharing false information with the help of partnered news organizations, which include PolitiFact, Snopes, Factcheck.org and ABC News. Both companies drew sharp criticism during the U.S. presidential election past year for failing to prevent the spread of false information. As a result, leaders from Europe are concerned that fake news could spoil their chances in the ensuing elections.

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The news comes as France’s presidential campaign begins a hard week, with right wing candidate Francis Fillion facing calls to step out of the race in the wake of the fake-jobs-for-the-family scandal.