This article discusses whether fake news could affect the next UK election. The channel 4 executive urged the UK government to step in if Facebook and other internet firms do not do more to tackle the problem. The responsibility that comes with social media is also mentioned, social media sites which claim they are technology companies can be argued to be media companies, therefore the regulation of the content is vital. Google and Facebook have said they are working on ways to eliminate fake news and stop it spreading, and have already taken steps such as cutting off ad revenue to some sites identified as sources of completely made up stories. However, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly rejected the “crazy idea” that they affected the US election.
- A recent survey by BuzzFeed found that 75% of US adults believed fake news headlines they were shown
I believe that fake news can have a major impact on an individual and the population. Majority of these fake news articles fuel hate and manipulate the news while gaining revenue, which is unethical and wrong. More should be done to tackle this issue.
This article discusses Facebooks search for a new media executive to reassure the press and their relationship with the media after a rise of fake news stories brought negative attention to the social media site. The applicant is expected to have over 20 years of experience and to be the “public-facing voice of Facebook and its role in the news ecosystem” and “a strong voice within Facebook on the goals and priorities of news publishers”. This suggests that the company is looking for someone to address concerns raised by media organisations, politicians and others about the social network’s wider impact.
I believe this is a necessary action that needs to be taken to ensure that this issue is prevented and under control. Maybe, executive could possibly have a role that replicates one of a gatekeeper.
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