Facebook tightens algorithm that detects links to fake news

Facebook has tightened its algorithm that recognizes ‘clickbait, sensationalism and misinformation’ in postings. Such links should receive less attention from users after this update.

According to the social network, the vast majority of these types of posts are made by the same accounts, which would therefore make large amounts of posts per day. For now, the adjustment only applies to posts and not to domains, videos, photos or other content on Facebook. Posters that aren’t “guilty” of the posts Facebook is talking about shouldn’t notice these changes, though the company warns of a reduction in distribution among content creators whose posts are highly shared.

Major social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have come under some fire since the 2016 US presidential election. Critics and researchers warn of the negative effect that the distribution of fake news via social media has had on those elections. Social media is also under fire for extremist content. On Friday it was even announced that the tech companies in Germany could be fined up to 50 million euros if they wait too long with, for example, removing fake news from their platforms.

Twitter is also investigating behind the scenes how best to fight fake news. For example, the company is reportedly considering a reporting feature to give users the opportunity to report misleading, counterfeit or harmful content. However, this is a prototype that may never be put into use.