Meta launches ‘Know What’s Real’ campaign to combat misinformation

Meta on Tuesday said it has launched an eight week long safety campaign ‘Know What’s Real’ to shed light on in-built product features and safety measures present on their apps.

On WhatsApp, for instance there is the block and report feature as well as forward labels that equip users to spot misinformation and prevent its spread further. It said it also encourages people to verify information that sounds suspicious or inaccurate via fact-checking organizations on WhatsApp Channels.

The social media giant said the aim of the campaign was to educate users on identifying and addressing misinformation on WhatsApp and Instagram by promoting digital best practices and highlighting available safety tools.

“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,” Shivnath Thukral, Director, Public Policy India, Meta, said in a statement.

Thukral said Meta has invested in 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 Misinformation Combat Alliance’s (MCA) to launch a WhatsApp tipline to curb AI-generated misinformation.

On Instagram, Meta said it teams up with a robust network of fact checkers to verify information. If something false, like deepfakes, is found, they put warning labels in the app to tell people it’s not accurate.

“We also limit the reach of content that is labeled “False” by our fact-checkers so less people can 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.

Meta’s fact-checking program in India includes partnerships with 11 independent fact-checking organizations. These partners have the capabilities to fact check content in 15 Indian languages and English – enabling people to identify, review, verify information and help prevent the spread of misinformation on Meta platforms.