What are fake news and how to combat them?
Fake news are intentionally false or misleading information spread through various media, mainly to influence public opinion, particularly vulnerable and susceptible groups. Technological tools available today make the use and dissemination of fake news easier, broader, and decentralized.
Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, fake news and misinformation on social media significantly occupied users in Greece and globally.
To combat misinformation on the internet, technology giants have committed to:
- Providing clearer information about algorithm functions and enabling third-party verification.
- Making it easier for users to find and access various news sources representing alternative viewpoints.
- Establishing measures to detect and shut down fake accounts and address automated programs (bots).
- Empowering fact-checking organizations, researchers, and public authorities to continuously monitor misinformation online.