Facebook will not remove fake news, but demote it
Internet | July 15, 2018 19:06 ISTThe social network is currently running an advertising campaign in Britain that declares "fake news is not our friend".
The social network is currently running an advertising campaign in Britain that declares "fake news is not our friend".
Speaking at the Goa IT event, Parrikar said that he had issued a statement to stop the circulation of rumours regarding the presence of unsafe fish in the coastal state.
"The government wants to tap citizens' WhatsApp messages. It will be like creating a surveillance state," the Supreme Court bench said.
Several high-profile users were set to experience a drop in the number of their followers on the microblogging site as Twitter said it would remove locked accounts from follower counts across profiles globally.
The move comes after the popular messaging app was slammed by the Indian government over fake and provocative messages being circulated on its platform.
YouTube will provide links to Wikipedia or the Encyclopedia Britannica with controversial videos or conspiratorial issues, such as the Moon landing.
In the announcement, which was also published in leading dailies, the company has suggested different ways to the users for identifying accuracy of the information.
According to sources privy to the order, the Centre will also direct states to take strict action against those who spread rumours. The local police will be asked to keep an eye on people post socially-sensitive fake news or videos on Facebook or WhatsApp and take strict action against them.
Facebook has also expanded its test to fact-check photos and videos to four countries.
This major step has been taken in order to curb fake news in media.
The new legislation comes after several reports of fake news circulation surfacing in the state during the last couple of years. The recent incidents in Shillong, Godda in Jharkhand and Karbi Anglong district of Assam have added to the concern.
Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said the prime accused allegedly had an argument with the two men, following which he spread the rumour that they were child lifters, to instigate the villagers.
"We request people not to be misled by such posts. All such posts must be reported to the nearest police station and we asked all Superintendents of Police to take immediate action so that such posts do not go viral," a senior police officer said.
According to Basil, the move will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social network responsibly.
The social media giant is facing criticism for its role in enabling political manipulation in several countries around the world.
The comments by the Information and Broadcasting Minister came in the backdrop of her ministry withdrawing its contentious press release on fake news following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office after wide-spread criticism by media and opposition parties.
Soon after, the Information and Broadcasting ministry issued a statement, saying the press release regarding fake news put out by it last night "stands withdrawn."
The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018, which sought to formulate a new law to stop the spread of fake news which could threaten the country's political stability and undermine public order, was passed on Monday with 123 voting in favour and 64 against.
NBA President and India TV Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma thanked the government for not interfering with press accreditation guidelines.
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