At a United States Senate meeting last Wednesday, members of both parties questioned social media executives about the scope of foreign countries’ ability to use social media as a weapon against democracy.
First, I wanted to step back and share our view of Twitter’s role in the world. We believe many people use Twitter as a digital public square. They gather from all around the world to see what’s happening, and have a conversation about what they see.
— jack (@jack) September 5, 2018
Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook and Chief Executive Officer of Twitter Jack Dorsey went before the senate’s committee on intelligence to answer questions at the fourth hearing about other countries’ impacts on the U.S. via social media.
According to Sandberg, the company has doubled their safety and security employee-base since last year. Facebook deleted 583 million fake accounts on the website in the first three months of 2018, per CNet. While this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of fake posts and profiles, the fact that Facebook is working harder in 2018 to secure information, and allowing democracy to work effectively, was commended in the senate meeting.
Facebook also provides Tips to Spot Fake News, in which they offer solutions such as being skeptical of headlines and investigating sources. Fake news is usually sensationalized, either via photos or headlines, and won’t come from a reputable source. Additionally, looking up who wrote the news in questions, whether they have a Twitter presence or other articles, could be a tell as to whether the information is legitimate.
According to engadget, Facebook has developed newer software to help find and shut down fake or spam accounts. It will also begin flagging websites it deems dangerous after vetting, and a flag will be attached to posts from the “dangerous” websites.
We now know how vulnerable social media is to misuse and the threat that poses to our democracy. We’ve identified the problem – now it’s time to identify the solution. Read my full opening statement here: https://t.co/1rG1iyvDPT
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) September 5, 2018
There are many telltale ways a fake post can be spotted, but oftentimes when people are on social media, their guard is down. It’s difficult to catch fake news, if one isn’t looking for it.