Social media platforms have become modern news curators that hundreds of millions of people use instead of mainstream media. However, misinformation (fake news) whether on purpose or not is a contract problem. Understanding what is true or not is a challenge for everyone. Google is now explaining its fact-checking infrastructure on YouTube and other platforms.
YouTube is starting a $13.2 million grant that it will give to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). With this money and funds from other contributors, the IFCN will launch the Global Fact Check Fund.
This initiative will provide financial support to 135 fact-checking groups across 65 countries. These groups combat the spread of fake news in over 80 languages. Google says the new grant will start in early 2023.
Closer to home, Google says it is testing and releasing fact-checking tools across its apps and services. In Google News, Search, and Images, sources that have been fact-checking by an independent organization will be highlighted.
The company also has the Fact Check Explorer utility that allows all users to manually check the legitimacy of the information they consume.
Google adds:
“We're continually making investments in our products, programs and partnerships to help fight misinformation. Starting next year, YouTube will host a training series for fact-checking organizations interested in learning more about the platform and best practices for video content strategy and engagement.
YouTube also recently launched Hit Pause, a media literacy initiative to help viewers spot and evaluate misinformation. Additionally, Google continues to partner with organizations focused on media literacy through the Google News Initiative. Since 2018, the Google News Initiative has invested nearly $75 million in projects and partnerships working to strengthen media literacy and combat misinformation around the world. Our grant to the IFCN builds on that commitment.
Google and YouTube remain dedicated to keep doing our part to help you find what you're looking for and give you the context you need to make informed decisions about what you see online. And we're committed to continuing to support the journalists and fact-checking organizations on the front lines of the fight against misinformation.”
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