While the entire election debacle for the US is now dialing down, Facebook strengthens even more processes while under investigation. Still reeling from its unwilling role of the Cambridge Analytica incident, the social network is working fast; it has to just so it can avoid another incident.
Even if there are proper mechanisms in place, it is critical for Facebook to step up. In fact, it must now be even more pro-active in its approach. The latest Hard Questions session focuses on that topic, discussing how Facebook is reinforcing its safety and security processes.
As Facebook strengthens its regulations, it is clear there the social network wants to step up and be accountable; specifically in remaining impartial for any election efforts. Firstly, both Facebook reps reiterates that the platform is taking responsibility for the exploitation from Cambridge Analytica.
“We are all responsible for making sure the same kind of attack our democracy does not happen again; (or anywhere else for that matter). We are taking our role in that effort very, very seriously,” says Guy Rosen, VP of Product Management, Facebook. “This includes providing updates on a number of initiatives designed to protect and promote civic engagement.”
He reveals how Facebook will be working on four improvements:
- First, combating foreign interference
- Second, removing fake accounts
- Third, increasing ads transparency
- Fourth, reducing the spread of false news
According to Alex Stamos, Chief Security Officer at Facebook, these four will match the misinformation challenges that are now active.
“When you tear apart the overall digital misinformation problem, you find multiple types of bad content. There also many bad actors with different motivations. It is important to match the right approach to these various challenges. That requires not just careful analysis of what has happened. We also have to have the most up to date intelligence to understand completely new types of misinformation,” Stamos adds.
Both continue to share with their other colleagues in the session about what are the real issues to focus on. This includes identifying what defines as ‘fake’.
“When we study these issues, we have to first define what is actually ‘fake’. The most common issues are:
- Fake identities– this is when an actor conceals their identity or takes on the identity of another group or individual
- Fake audiences– achievable via tricks to artificially expand the audience; can also change the perception of support for a particular message
- False facts – the assertion of false information
- False narratives– intentionally divisive headlines and language that exploit disagreements and sow conflict. This is the most difficult element. Different news outlets and consumers can have completely different opinions on what an appropriate narrative; this is even if they agree on the facts
Once we have an understanding of the various kinds of ‘fake’ we need to deal with, (it doesn’t stop there). We then need to distinguish between motivations for spreading misinformation. Because our ability to combat different actors is based upon preventing their ability to reach these goals,” Stamos shares.
There are many reasons that fake content and actors are thriving. Mostly it’s about money. The majority of misinformation, by both quantity and reach, come from groups who gain financially; all they do is drive traffic to sites they own. The other motivating factor is those looking to artificially influence public debate. These cover the spectrum, from private but ideologically motivated groups to full-time employees of state intelligence services.
While Facebook is already doing what it can to improve the power of its narrative, it doesn’t truly stop there. There is more work to do at the socio-economic level and through education. In doing so, more will be less gullible and, by extension, are no longer prone to influences.
For the full transcript on how Facebook strengthens its safety and security processes, click here.
(Picture source: TechCrunch)
