Snapchat adjusts guidelines to combat fake news

Snapchat has updated its posting guidelines on the Discover service to combat fake news and clickbait. This should, for example, ensure that users are not lured to an article with an image that has nothing to do with it.

Snapchat’s news section, Discover, further states in its updated guidelines that explicit images may no longer be shown unless they have a clear connection to the article. The app also adds a function that allows parties to add age limits to their articles, The New York Times writes. In addition, there is a need to clarify the prohibition of linking to content of which the facts are not established.

Snapchat added the Discover feature in 2015. The function shows articles from different parties, accompanied by an image. Many of the articles are provided with extensive graphics and videos.

Snapchat is not the first service to arm itself against fake news. Facebook has also indicated that it will work with fact-checking companies to discover fake news and classify it as such. In December, the European Commission called on all tech companies to act against the spread of fake news.