In a significant move to enhance the reliability of user-generated content, the Threads app is set to introduce a new fact-checking program. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, announced this initiative, marking a pivotal step in the app’s content moderation efforts.
Aligning with Facebook and Instagram’s Fact-Checking Efforts
Mosseri’s announcement did not detail the specifics of the program but indicated that Threads would integrate fact-check ratings from Facebook and Instagram. This integration is crucial as, currently, Threads lacks direct fact-checking capabilities. Instead, when content is flagged as false on Instagram or Facebook, the fact-checker’s ratings will automatically apply to Threads.
Expanding Fact-Checking Capabilities on Threads
The goal, as Mosseri notes, is for fact-checking partners to actively review and rate misinformation directly on the Threads app. This development is expected to roll out early next year, with Meta’s third-party fact-checking partners playing a key role in flagging and reviewing content.
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User Control Over Content Visibility
Threads users will have the option to adjust their personal feed settings regarding fact-checked content. They can choose to increase, decrease, or maintain the default level of visibility for such content. Importantly, these settings will be consistent with those on Instagram, ensuring a seamless user experience across both platforms.
Combatting Misinformation Ahead of Presidential Elections
As the presidential elections approach, social media platforms like Threads are under increasing pressure to implement safeguards against misinformation. The introduction of a fact-checking system on Threads aligns with the company’s broader efforts to maintain content integrity, following the introduction of a search tool that blocks terms linked to misinformation.
Fact-Checking: A Step, Not a Solution for News Amplification
While the fact-checking feature is a significant addition, Mosseri emphasized to TechCrunch that Threads does not intend to become a primary source for digital news. The platform’s focus remains on user-generated content, without plans to amplify news content.
A Proactive Approach to Content Integrity
Threads’ integration of a fact-checking program represents a proactive approach to ensuring content integrity on social media platforms. This move not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to the broader fight against misinformation, particularly in the context of critical events like presidential elections.
