Who is responsible to tackle fake news on social media?

Nowadays, digital platforms like Google, Facebook and Twitter have become key players in how people communicate and get everyday news. However, one of the attendant negative impacts is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. When people spread fake news either purposefully or mistakenly, they are potentially endangering the very fabric of our societies. This danger, which is being discussed quite intensely especially in this special time with ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, makes me wonder: who is responsible to stop fake news?

Companies like Facebook should hold the primary responsibility to monitor misinformation and disinformation.

Critics believe that social media platforms are ultimately responsible because they have created the conditions possible for fake news to flourish. These companies undoubtedly influence the world by virtue of its market and cultural dominance. “Only Facebook and Google have access to the mountains of data their respective platforms generate, and only Facebook and Google are able to change the way information moves on their platforms.” Since they control so much data and power, they have the obligation to make sure the environments they create are clean enough and their users are not misinformed. Actually, Facebook has implemented several measures that it says will to some extent mitigate the spread of fake news. One of the new features is a warning label which alerts readers that content in their feed is potentially misleading.

However, are companies like Facebook the only responsible ones for fake news?

Some people argue that it is not Facebook and Twitter who created the fake news and the nature of the media has changed to survive to attract readers. As readers, it is actually our fault, and “If we want to see an end to fake news, we need to stop clicking on it, and stop spreading it.”

Some people even think it is paternalistic that social media platforms censor some information over others and help people decide which is true and which is not. They don’t need Facebook to stop the spread of fake news. Instead, they need the access to the whole picture. People aren’t as stupid as others might think. There is evidence to suggest that consumers are skeptical about information on social media. According to the report, less than one in five trust information they read on social media. It should be on the consumers to define what is best for themselves, think critically and seek out better information.

I believe that while social media companies are ultimately responsible for fake news, efforts are needed from multiple parties to address the issue.

Fake news on social media is a complex phenomenon and probably has to be addressed from various angles. There’s no denying that social media platforms should play a key role in stopping the spread of misinformation and disinformation. But everyone could make a contribution to fight the scourge of fake news. As social media users, we could become editors ourselves, be critical towards news we read on digital platforms, and learn how to verify information before we like or share it. Besides the public, governments, news industry, technology companies and academic institutions could all help combat fake news without endangering freedom of expression. “This ranges from supporting investigative journalism, reducing financial incentives for fake news, and improving digital literacy among the general public.”