MENLO PARK, United States, July 19, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Facebook on Wednesday
built on its campaign to prevent the platform from being used to spread
dangerous misinformation, saying it will remove bogus posts likely to spark
violence.
The new tactic being spread through the global social network was tested in
Sri Lanka, which was recently rocked by inter-religious over false
information posted on the world’s leading online social network.
“There are certain forms of misinformation that have contributed to
physical harm, and we are making a policy change which will enable us to take
that type of content down,” a Facebook spokesman said after a briefing on the
policy at the company’s campus in Silicon Valley.
“We will be begin implementing the policy during the coming months.”
For example, Facebook may remove inaccurate or misleading contect, such as
doctored photos, created or shared to stir up to ignite volatile situations
in the real world.
The social network said it is partnering with local organizations and
authorities adept at identifying when posts are false and likely to prompt
violence.
Misinformation removed in Sri Lanka under the new policy included content
falsely contending that Muslims were poisoning food given or sold to
Buddhists, according to Facebook. Hate speech and threats deemed credible are
violations of Facebook rules, and are removed.
The new policy takes another step back, eliminating content that may not be
explicitly violent but which seems likely to encourage such behavior.
Facebook has been lambasted for allowing rumors or blatantly false
information to circulate that may have contributed to violence.
Many see Facebook as being used as a vehicle for spreading false
information in recent years.
Facebook has implemented a series of changes aimed at fighting use of the
social network to spread misinformation, from fabrications that incite
violence to untruths that sway elections.