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Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is gearing up to introduce a fact-checking program on its standalone messaging app, Threads. As the U.S. and Indian elections loom large on the horizon, this move is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation on the platform. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, explained that currently, Threads aligns with fact-check ratings from Facebook or Instagram, but the plan is to empower fact-checking partners with tools to review and rate misinformation directly on the app.
In a bid to enhance user control over content, Meta announced that Threads users in the U.S. will soon have the ability to adjust the visibility of fact-checked posts—choosing to increase, decrease, or maintain the current level of demotion. Notably, settings applied on Instagram to filter out sensitive content will carry over to Threads for a seamless user experience.
Despite Meta's previous reluctance to position Threads as a news-focused platform, the move towards fact-checking signifies a proactive stance to combat misinformation, especially during critical times like elections. While Threads avoids amplifying news, the fact-checking initiative indicates a recognition of the importance of maintaining accurate information on the platform.
This step is aligned with Meta's broader efforts to mitigate the spread of misinformation across its services. With an eye on the upcoming elections, the fact-checking program is designed to provide users with reliable and accurate information, enhancing the overall integrity of Threads. However, until Meta releases more details about the program, questions regarding the nature of labeling, the display of correct information, and the level of user involvement remain to be addressed. This move signifies Meta's commitment to addressing misinformation early on, learning from past challenges, and taking proactive measures to ensure the responsible use of its platforms.
