In an effort to combat misinformation spread through photos and videos, Instagram is adding the prenotice “False Information” on his platform.
Instagram is stepping up its efforts to combat misinformation and now automatically include tagging some fake articles. Using a combination of user reporting and automation, the suspect content will be sent to independent auditors for verification and will be labeled "False" if found to be counterfeit.
According to Instagram, content will be flagged as potentially fake with “a combination of feedback from the user community and technology us". Then, if the independent third-party judges recognize that the content is indeed fake, three things will happen:
- Η photo or the video will be removed from the Explore and Hashtag pages to “reduce its distribution”
- The photo will clearly be labeled "False Information" on a cover that does not allow you to see the photo or video directly.
- Anyone who tries to post the same photo will receive a warning that they are going to share false information.
The example given by Instagram in its announcement was a widespread photo of a shark on a flooded Houston highway during duration of Hurricane Harvey.
In addition to the three consequences shown above, accounts that are repeatedly flagged for sharing false information will be permanently removed from the Explore pages and hashtag tags.
This automatic flagging could help combat some disinformation efforts. Maybe this way you will stop seeing articles with old hoaxes or fake scientific topics. This won't necessarily stop professional charlatans and pranksters, and it certainly won't help you avoid the bogus political ads that have flooded the Internet. But it is a step in the right direction.
To learn more about this system highlight, read the full Instagram announcement here.