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Facebook Starts a Three-Step Initiative to Fight Fake News and Misinformation

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Though social media was developed for entertainment purposes, it has become the biggest source of spreading misinformation and fake news. We have seen the impact of all the misinformation in the form of major steps taken by the general public, violence being one of them. Being the biggest social media platform, Facebook is the one that is most of the time blamed for spreading misinformation and hate among people.

Last month too, after the Capitol Hill riots, Facebook had to face a lot of criticism and had to suspend a few groups for spreading misinformation and call for violence. For the past many years, too, the company has been warned by several governments to work on its moderation policies.

Now, after the misinformation spread about COVID-19, the company has come up with its new three-step policy, to help to reduce the rate of spread of rumors. The three steps include, “Remove, Reduce, and Inform”. Maybe, the company has finally realized that it is losing its credibility. So it has to take some serious steps to maintain its position as one of the most used social media platforms.

Facebook Three-Step Initiative Remove, Reduce, and Inform

Facebook on Thursday held a small briefing session, where it addressed the issue of the spread of fake news and rumors. In this virtual meeting, the company talked about its new “Remove, Reduce, and Inform” policy, which would help curb the spread of fake news and misinformation in the coming future. Facebook already includes the option to report and take down posts related to hate-speech or misinformation. It also has its native similarity detection system used to filter the content posted on the platform. Now, for the new policy, Facebook has tied up with more than 80 fact-checker companies, including Fact Crescendo and Boom. These companies deal in over 60 languages and are certified by the nonpartisan International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

Facebook
Image Source: Pixabay

These fact-checkers will help Facebook identify false, altered, or partly false information on the platform. Currently, the company along with its partner fact-checkers is working towards labeling and checking vaccine-related posts, such that to identify their authenticity. It is also keeping a check on the ads and posts that includes selling of COVID-19 vaccine. The visibility of the groups that are spreading any sort of fake or partly false information about COVID-19 and its vaccine, has also been reduced, such that to lessen the reach of their posts.

Though the company is taking Stringent steps to fight misinformation, the Facebook Product Policy Manager, Misinformation Alice Budisatrijo admitted that it is impossible to combat this issue completely. “However, we take our responsibility seriously. We are a service for more than 2 billion people around the world. So we know how essential it is for people to have access to credible information, and for us to remove harmful content,” she said. “Even with the combination of artificial intelligence and the human reviewers that we have all over the world, we can never 100% guarantee that content that violates our policies is not on the platform,” she added.

Losing Credibility

Facebook has been facing a lot of criticism from around the world for being a major source of misinformation and hate spread. According to Rahul Namboori, co-founder of Fact Crescendo, Facebook was one of the most used social media platforms to cause chaos and hate among people in India in 2020. The year started with misinformation about the CAA and NRC bill proposed in India and lead to spreading fake news about COVID-19. 2021 also started with another protest about the Farm bill and people around the world have witnessed what happened on 26th Jan in Delhi, because of the misinformation on different social media platforms, including Facebook.

Facebook has also marked a ban from the Myanmar government recently, so to oppose possible violence over the military coup due to fake news in the country. After facing so much criticism from all around the world, the company is now trying to fix its image by added new policies against misinformation. Recently, it took some steps to oppose the spread of fake news about COVID-19 and its vaccine. It has removed many posts as well as suspended a few pages on the platform that included false information about the disease.

Controlling the Fake News on Other Platforms

Apart from Facebook, the company is going to strict its policies for its other platforms, i.e. Instagram and What’s App, too. On the other hand, Twitter is also taking some stringent actions on the same. It has started to label the posts that offer baseless rumors, disputed claims, incomplete information, and the information that is out-of-context for COVID-19 vaccines. Even Google has announced a fund of $3 million to fight the misinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, such that it will try to show the most authentic results about the disease and its vaccine on every search on Google.

Google

Google to block search engine for Australian users if the government enforces new code

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Due to the new law from the Australian government, Google has said that it will shut down the search engine for Australian users if it has to pay for news. According to this new code the Australian government is trying to enforce, big tech companies like Google and Facebook have to pay local media companies for the right to use their content (Reuters). Google has mentioned clearly that if the Australian government enforces this new code, 19 million Australian users will have to face degraded search quality and YouTube experience.

Enforcement of the new code

The Australian government is preparing to pass a law that will make the big tech companies like Facebook and Google negotiate with the local publishers. This means that Google will now have to bargain a payment for these local channels and broadcasters whose contents are displayed in the Google search results. The government has further decided that if the companies among themselves cannot strike a deal then an arbitrator from the Australian government itself will fix a price.

Google is not even considering playing by the rules this time and hence completely declined to negotiate any price with the local publishers. The company has made a public announcement clearly sending the message that if the law is enforced Google search in Australia will degrade. Today, Mel Silva, Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand said at a public hearing that if this new code is enforced as law, Google will have no choice but to make Google search engine unavailable in Australia.

Further, Silva spoke about the impact of the new proposed law, that is, the News Media Bargaining code on Australian small businesses, publishers, and users as well. She said that the most concerning part of this new code is to pay for links and snippets in the search which will have a negative impact on the business as well as the digital economy. Silva also mentioned that the company has already reached News Showcase agreements with 7 publishers in Australia. So, with a few slights amendments in this new code, none has to sacrifice or adjust here a great deal to use Google.

How did Australia respond to Google’s reaction?

Since Google mentioned clearly that if the new law is enforced, Google will have no choice but to block the search engine for Australian users, Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia has made few sharp comments. In response to Google’s comment, Morrison said that in Australia they have rules for “things you can do in Australia.” He further mentioned that those who will abide by these laws are most welcome to work in Australia but the country will not respond to any form of threats.

Google

Apart from Morrison’s comment in response to what Google has said, many critical views have surfaced against these tech giants. Rod Sims, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair has said that these companies tend to strike a deal when they are in full power or have full control. And according to him “that’s not a commercial deal.”

Effect on Google

Google says that the search ads contribute to Google’s annual revenue and profit largely at a global level. So, if the company even offers a limited search tool for Australian users without any revision of this new code, it will be risky for the company. Google has called this new law very overly broad and hence it wants revision before the company is in a position to negotiate. The United States government has also asked the Australian government to scrap this new law and bring a more voluntary code instead. Australia proposed this new legislation last month after an investigation on the media market.

The government realized that companies like Google and Facebook have too much power in the media industry which might turn into a big threat in a democratic country. It is also noted that the statement from Google to limit its search engine for the Australian users came only hours after it struck a deal with some French news publisher. This content-payment deal is a three-year, $1.3 billion agreement to support publishers. (Reuters)

EU and tech giants

Tech Giants Face another Threat from the EU

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Technology companies have been feeling the heat ever since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. Throughout these last six months, they have faced various sanctions and threats from around the world. With the EU trying to bring into play a Data tax, and the American government investigating their power, big tech firms have been under the microscope this year. Several nations around the world have also stated that their handling of false news amidst the global health pandemic has not been satisfactory. The EU, in particular, has been sharp regarding its criticism of the power yielded by such companies. Now once again, the EU has threatened to ban them from the European market unless they follow EU regulations. Let us now take a look at what the ban could mean for the big tech firms and what guidelines the EU wants to be implemented.

EU Ban on the Horizon

The services of tech companies could be banned from the EU unless they follow the organization’s guidelines. EU’s chief of industry, Thierry Breton while speaking to a German weekly named Wely am Sonntag pointed out that the EU is in the process of finalizing their data handling rules. The EU has been very vocal in its criticism of big tech companies, and have been drafting better policies to control the power they wield. The new rules named the Digital Services Act, and the Digital Markets Act will revolutionize the tech industry within Europe. Breton and Margrethe Vestager, who serves as the European Competition Commissioner, will announce the new guidelines on 2 December.

What are the new rules about?

The new guidelines will serve as a list of Do’s and Don’ts for tech companies, acting as gatekeepers for such companies. They will limit the power yielded by such companies and prevent them from monopolizing the European market. It will also force such companies to share the data they collect with both rivals and regulators. Hence, it will also serve as a significant deterrent to the promotion of their services and products unfairly. All of these laws will help the EU have a more significant say on the power and exclusivity yielded by large tech firms. 

EU and tech giants
Image Source: medium.com

Who impact will the new rules have on the market?

The newly drafted rules will have a massive impact on American tech firms, which have been on the firing line for the past year. The EU pin-pointed Alphabet-owned Google, which has failed to stop its anti-competition activities. In the past, Google has been criticized for monopolizing the market and driving competition out by unfairly promoting its services and products. While it has been called out several times, the American giant has failed to curb such practices. Certain industry experts want the EU enforcers to do more than order companies to stop. Hence, the newly drafted rules will give the EU the power to ban such companies from the coalition. As a result, it is safe to say that the tech giants will take these new laws more seriously, fearing a ban from the 27-country political bloc.

What is the need for such rules?

However, until the EU passes the newly drafted rules, the organization does not have the power to enforce its threats. Breton told the German weekly that the power to enforce its threats is important if people wish to see any change. He was clear to state that the EU was done waiting for the change to occur organically. Having appropriate rules and measures in place, including fines, penalties, legal action, and bans will help the companies take these laws more seriously. The laws also allow the enforces to split companies up and limit their access to the Single market, helping them put some weight behind their threats.

However, Breton was quick to point out that the committee would take only required measures, saving the strictest rules for exceptional cases. Also, it is clear to see that big tech firms fear such rules. Google launched a 60-day plan to gain American allies to push back against such EU regulations. Donald Trump has also been vocal regarding his criticism of such strict laws and rules against American companies. But, it looks like such rules will become a reality soon enough and that the tech giants will have to curb their power finally. Such a move coupled with the enforcement of the Data tax would lead to tech giants, such as Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft becoming more accountable for their actions. We will have to wait and see to what extent the EU goes in a bid to fight the tech giants and their unchecked power.

Facebook

Facebook Locks Horns with NYU Over Ad-Targeting Data Collection

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic ballooned out of proportion, tech companies have been feeling the heat. Most countries around the world, with the EU in particular, have started holding them accountable for information shared online. As a result, there have been a lot of discussions and debates regarding how to ensure such companies use their power wisely. The world is still debating on the data tax bill, and Google and Facebook have been asked to fact-check the information they share. Amidst all of this, Facebook has now asked NYU to stop a study they were conducting on political advertisements. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Facebook’s stand, and how the world is reacting to it.

Facebook Blocks the NYU

New York University seems to be in a lockdown contest against Facebook. The tech giant has asked NYU to stop collecting data for a study it is doing on political ads propagated by Facebook. However, journalists, lawyers, academics, and First Amendment activists have come to the support of NYU. The study essentially focuses on how the tech giant micro-targets specific individuals with their political ads. While Facebook has asked the university to shut down its data collection tool, researchers believe that the tool is integral to their study. In essence, the tool helps the academics track how Facebook serves as a source of misinformation and manipulation by several extremist political groups.

Disable Tools Collecting Data

A Facebook executive order that came out on October 16 demands that researchers disable their data collection tool. The University depends on a special plug-in for both Firefox and Chrome browsers to collect data regarding the ads. The University has signed on over 6500 volunteers across the US to help with the data collection. Facebook’s new order demands that the University halt its data collection and delete the information obtained. The plug-in essentially allows the researchers to see what ads each volunteer views, helping them understand how Facebook targets users. The researchers claim that Facebook’s algorithm for tailor-made ads depends on a lot more than gender, race, age, and political afflictions. 

Facebook

Facebook’s Side of Things

Allison Hendrix, the executive from Facebook, states that the tool violates Facebook’s rules. She also noted that the social media giant does not allow the automatic collection of bulk data from it. The letter also warned of enforcement action in case the NYU did not comply with November 30th. Also, Joe Osborne, who serves as Facebook’s spokesperson, stated that the tech giant had informed NYU months ago to not move forward with their study. He claims that the company had warned them that doing so would be a violation of their terms. Furthermore, he also stated that Facebook works extensively to ensure the privacy of its users’ data. However, researchers at NYU claim that their tool does not violate any terms as it collects data from volunteers anonymously.

Reaction to the Threat

The public seems to be rallying against the social media giant with several prominent personalities calling out the social media giant. Ever since the Wall Street Journal broke the news on Friday, public sentiment seems to be on the side of the researchers. The WSJ quickly pointed out that NYU’s Ad Observer tool may shine some much-needed light on Facebook’s policies on advertisements. The tool has been in effect since September by volunteers from Utah to Florida to Wisconsin. Ramya Krishnan, who works as a lawyer with Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute, represents the researchers. She was quick to point out that it was unfortunate that Facebook is attaching a tool that will help identify gaps within the current framework. Since the study aims to expose disinformation related to the American elections, Krishnan believes the paper should not be halted. She also pointed out that the public deserves to know how they are being targeted and that Facebook cannot serve as a gatekeeper to information. 

Julia Angwin, who serves as an editor of The Markup, which is a tech news website, also tweeted in disappointment after Facebook’s statement. Since the NYU’s Ad Observatory was the only way researchers could explore micro-targeting of political ads, she deemed this move extremely controversial and disappointing. In a statement released by NYU, researcher Damon McCoy stated that the study focuses on how Facebook profiles citizens. After profiling, the company sends them misinformation regarding policies and candidates to influence their votes.

While 2016 witnessed social outcry over Facebook’s political ad-running algorithm, history seems to be repeating this time around. Ads on traditional media are accounted for as they have to create an ad archive that lists who paid for the ad and how long it ran. However, social media companies do not have any such rules in place, making it difficult to see their political biases. With right-wing content trending in the last few weeks on the platform, the move to block the study will only further hurt Facebook’s public standing. Last year, over 200 researchers asked Facebook to lift bans on the collection of data. It will be interesting to see if Facebook’s terms hold in a court of law and whether the study ends u exposing the company’s biases.

Digital Tax

All You Need to Know About OECD’s Digital Tax Reform

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It looks like the tech giants will have to wait for another year to see how the impending digital tax reforms will take place. The world is witnessing a significant shift in the way it views Big Tech. With the EU planning on implementing a digital tax on such companies, most experts were looking forward to seeing how the reforms will take shape. However, the OECD released a statement saying that the new global tax will not come into force this year. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the Digital Tax and its impact on tech giants.

A Year’s Wait Left for Digital Tax

The Paris-based OECD was to head a panel that would lead negotiations between countries to establish the Digital Tax. The organization would have been in touch with over 140 different nations to solve the taxation issue faced by Big Tech. The Digital Tax reform would for once standardize the taxation norms of companies such as Google and Facebook. However, the organization released a statement on Monday stating it would require an additional year to finalize the deal. Pascal Saint-Amans, who servers as OECD’s Head of Tax Policy, said that the glass was half-full. While the deal is nearly ready, it still requires political accord to push through and become a law, according to Pascal. He went on to say that the organization expects the deal to come out ‘sometime in 2021’.

Future in the Balance

Most experts were hoping the bill would attain resolution by the end of this year. The law is a move by the EU to ensure that large technology companies pay the fair share of tax as per their operations in the countries they function. Most EU officials believe that such companies are not paying the right amount, and that tax calculation should occur in the location of their activity, and not just their headquarters. This would extensively enlarge the sphere of taxation of such companies, as they are prevalent throughout the EU.

Digital Tax
Image Source: Pixabay.com

OECD for All

Throughout the whole discussion, the OECD has acted as a marshal demanding more accountability from the Big Tech. They are pushing for standardized tax rules and regimes on a global level due to the ever-reaching impact of such large tech firms. However, the various governments will have to agree to their proposals before they can become a law, and in turn, a reality. Angel Gurria, who serves as the head of the OECD, believes that lack of such a bill will lead to a trade war. However, the slow progress of such reform has led to several countries implementing changes of their own accord. The UK has been a vocal supporter of such a Digital Tax. However, the slow progress finally led to the country announcing its own Digital Services Tax at the beginning of the year.

Trump Wages War

Such a taxation reform led to complaints from the US, which called it an unfair levy that needed a trade probe before implementation. The Trump administration went as far as to threaten products from Europe with additional tariffs unless they withdraw the reform bill. The US believes that such laws deliberately and specifically and target American corporations. Trump also stated that the US was considering imposing further taxes on French wine sold in the States.  Since the US is the biggest market for French wine, making up almost 25% of total sales in 2018, this could turn into a massive trade war. However, President Macron’s office stated that it would stay firm in its stand, and would try to reach an amicable decision through bilateral talks.

Furthermore, the French Parliament passed a law that taxes digital companies if their French revenue goes over €25 million and if global income exceeds €750 million. While the law does not target companies of any nationality, it could have an impact on Big Tech firms, such as Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple. All these moves will help prevent such companies from avoiding stringent taxation by setting up headquarters in low-tax territories. Countries, such as Austria and Spain, have also vowed to implement Digital Tax laws, like Britain and France.

The OECD has been trying for two years to set up a global front to ensure all such companies may appropriate taxes. While the tax laws might take a year more to bear fruition, the result could have a massive impact on global economics. However, one this is for certain. Global opinion regarding the power yielded by big tech corporations is changing. While people never batted their eyelids regarding the growing influence of such companies, the tides seem to be shifting. Calls for better regulation regarding data privacy and data taxation might lead to the dawn of a new digital revolution.

Tech Giants

American Tech Giants Called Out for Their Monopoly Power

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Around the world, we are witnessing governments coming down heavily on tech giants. Recently, the EU commanded social media giants to be warier about the flow of misinformation and fake news. Now the American government, which till now has been very lax seems to be doing the same. Yesterday, a group of Democratic lawyers pushed Congress to make such companies more accountable for the power they yield. Here’s a look at how the monopoly power of these companies, and how lawmakers are planning on changing it.

Tech Giants Ongoing Investigation

A list of recommendations and appeals came at the end of a 16-month investigation into such tech giants. Companies, such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple came under Congressional radar in the last few years. Since then, lawmakers have been asking for more accountability and the spreading of power. The lawmakers mentioned yesterday that such companies enjoyed too much power, resulting in numerous unfair practices. They also called for a reining in of such power to help level the playing field within the tech industry. However, as expected, the Republicans disagreed with this outlook, with Jim Jordan dismissing the report as partisan. He also claimed the report was radical, saying it was an attempt by the far left to refashion American anti-trust laws.

The monopoly power of Tech Giants

The size and power that tech companies yield has been a constant topic of debate in Washington in recent years. This ongoing investigation came up through the House Judiciary Committee to probe into the working of these firms. The final 449-page report the committee staff submitted accuses these companies of engaging in unfair means. For instance, they found that such large tech firms charge high fees and force smaller companies into unfavorable deals. Further acquisitions involve using killer acquisitions to finish off rivals and retain their monopoly. In effect, the underdog start-ups of yesteryears have grown into monopolies that resemble old-time oil barons and railroad and air tycoons.

Tech Giants
Image Source: news.yahoo.com

Changes Proposed

Some of the changes proposed by the Council are as follows;

  1. More vigorous enforcement of competition laws which already exist
  2. Limit the nature and area of business
  3. Prevent companies from playing in fields where they are a dominant infrastructure builder
  4. Shifting the burden of anti-competition to proof for acquisitions to make buying out competition more challenging
  5. Consider separating online platforms and other businesses
  6. Force the breakup of such Big Tech firms into smaller components
  7. Add nondiscrimination laws to prevent firms from prioritizing their products

As you can see, these changes will have a massive impact on the future functioning of Big Tech. While the report does not define the actual and exact legislation needed, it does give a direction for Congress to take things forward.

Replies by Big Tech

In the hearing in July, most of these significant players hit back at the allegations, calling them fringe notions. Amazon, on Tuesday, defended its actions through a blog post saying it never did anything that breaches present anti-trust laws. It also noted that the Amazon marketplace has been a successful venture for third-party sellers and that there were no unfair deals in the background. Facebook too defended its acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram, saying it celebrated competition. It also mentioned that regulators went through all the laws and deals to ensure there was nothing illegal or corrupt behind it. 

Political Issue

The report many have said seems to be heavily Democratic. As a result, it faced severe criticism from the Republican party. For instance, the Republicans wanted a section on the anti-conservative bias of social media in the report. However, such a move did not go down well with the Democrats who blocked it, calling it an allegation and conspiracy theory. However, several Republicans do seem to agree on the fact that anti-trust laws need to be more fool-proof. For instance, Ken Buck supported a slew of recommendations, such as shifts in law that make it challenging to acquire competition. Most experts believe that there will be no legislative proposals until after the election. 

But one thing seems to be clear. Big Tech will undergo massive changes in policy and operations, following this election no matter who wins! Will this be the end of Big Tech? Let us know what you think in the comments below!