Facebook has launched a fact-checking unit ahead of Assembly elections in Rajasthan in an attempt to reduce spread of fake news about candidates and policies.
Facebook has bolstered its efforts, deployed new tools and teams, working around the clock to protect elections on the platform.
Facebook has expanded its fact-checking program to include fact-checking partners across 22 countries to tackle false news, working to promote civic engagement ahead of election, and made significant engineering improvements to better detect inauthentic behaviour.
Shivnath Thukral, Public Policy Director, India and South Asia, Facebook, said, “Facebook has incredible potential to be a positive force for democracy around the world. Facebook gives a voice to people of all ages and political beliefs, it encourages debate and the healthy exchange of ideas. As Rajasthan, the largest state in India, goes into elections, we are invested in our strategy to fight misinformation and are doing every bit to ensure that a safe and secure election process is followed.”
“Our work doesn’t stop at fighting election abuse. Our teams have continued to nurture constructive civic engagement. Ahead of Election Day, we serve the community with a polling day reminder, which will appear at the top of their News Feed,” he added.
Elections experts from across the company work closely to take quick decisions, react immediately to any threats identified by the systems.
By combining both high-tech tools and cross-functional teams, this team helps rapidly respond to threats, exclusively during elections across the world.
Facebook works with the local authorities to ensure safe and secure elections in the state and country otherwise.
A ‘Facebook Cyber Security Guide for Politicians and Political Parties’ have been shared with 850+ policy makers . The training guide helps candidates and political parties understand the platform and tools at their disposal, with a focus on best security practices.
FB Partnerships
As a part of checking misinformation, Facebook uses Third Party Fact Checking as a tool in partnership with independent fact checkers. Reinforcing its commitment to fighting spread of misinformation, FB in India partnered with BOOM Live and more recently with AFP across Hindi, Bengali and English.
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