Meta's Latest Move - Fact-Checking Feature on Threads Ahead of Major Elections

Meta Platforms, Inc META Threads, a social networking platform, is set to launch a fact-checking program given the upcoming significant elections in the U.S. and India next year. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation during critical electoral periods. 

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has indicated that while Threads currently uses fact-check ratings from Facebook and Instagram, the plan for the coming year is to enable fact-checkers to review and rate misinformation directly on Threads.

Meta, the parent company of Threads, also announced an upcoming feature for U.S. users that allows them to adjust the visibility of fact-checked posts on Threads. 

This means users can choose to either increase, decrease, or maintain the current level of demotion for these posts. Importantly, any settings on Instagram regarding sensitive content will be automatically mirrored on Threads, TechCrunch reports.

Also Read: Meta's Threads Set to Unveil in EU, Will Latest Rollout Revolutionize Social Media?

Historically, Threads has not emphasized news content. Mosseri stated in October that Threads is not "anti-news" but does not intend to promote news content on the platform significantly. 

Currently, Threads restricts searches for specific keywords related to COVID-19, a policy first brought to light by the Washington Post.

Threads are poised to offer users more ways to search for and disseminate information by introducing features like tags and trending topics. 

Meta's introduction of fact-checking and misinformation control on Threads represents a proactive approach to prevent the spread of false information, especially during elections. 

However, details about the fact-checking program, such as how misinformation will be identified and accurate context provided, are still pending. 

The move towards fact-checking indicates that Threads, traditionally not focused on news, will now engage more with news content.

Also Read: Meta Enhances Election Safeguards for 2024 To Tackle Misinformation

Price Action: META shares are trading lower by 0.16% at $333.70 premarket on the last check Wednesday.