Fake news is inaccurate information shared in society, particularly on social media, and its rising prevalence has led more individuals to trust it, making it a significant threat to modern society according to the World Economic Forum.
You must have encountered false information on your platform. To combat its dissemination, we must first comprehend the underlying motivations.
Why are false information fabricated?
Several reasons exist for the creation of fake news. The most frequent occurrence takes place on social media platforms, where creators generate sensational headlines with the primary goal of driving traffic to websites and generating revenue through digital advertising.
Fake news has been utilized not only for commercial purposes but also to spread rumors and reinforce ideological beliefs, disseminating falsehoods and inciting hate with the aim of damaging individuals, public figures, politicians, and businesses.
We have maintained excellent communication with this organization throughout the pandemic and election seasons, during which extensive teams and individuals were dedicated to generating false information and spreading rumors and misinformation via social media platforms.
How can we combat misinformation?
The topic of misinformation has been widely debated across various sectors of society, including legal discussions on proposed legislation aimed at addressing the issue without promoting censorship. This issue has sparked significant debate, involving institutions such as the Superior Electoral Court and the National Congress.
There are currently more than 30 bills being worked on in Brazil, including Bill No. 2630/2020, also known as the “Brazilian Law of Freedom, Responsibility and Transparency on the Internet” or PL of fake news.
The bill seeks to decrease the dissemination of misinformation, enhance the possibility of penalties for those responsible, set forth updated guidelines for search engines, social media platforms, and messaging apps to limit automated accounts, and establish the Internet Transparency and Responsibility Board.
The provisions of PL no. 2630/2020 apply to platforms with over 2 million users, including foreign ones, if they provide services to the Brazilian public. It is important for everyone to avoid spreading misinformation until the law is passed. Do you know how to verify the information you come across?
How can you verify the accuracy of information?
The best way to limit the spread of misinformation is by only sharing information that you can verify as true. To ensure accuracy, consider the following suggestions:
- Monitor the news outlet and the individuals behind it (seek out trustworthy sources such as Reuters News).
- Read the complete content of the material, not just the heading.
- Check the report’s publication date to determine if the information is up to date.
- Compare information by browsing the same details on different websites.
- Avoid relying on information from sensational websites.
Today, there are specialized agencies dedicated to verifying the truth of doubtful news and rumors, known as fact-checking agencies. An instance of this is the Fact or Boato news verification platform created by the Superior Electoral Court.
What does Fato or Boato mean?
The Fato or Boato page, established in 2020 by Electoral Justice, serves as a resource for voters to verify information related to the electoral process. It promotes the sharing of accurate content and fact-checking through verified news, advice, and educational material.
The page incorporates the Disinformation Face Program that involves over 70 institutions, including political parties and public and private entities, working together to combat fake news and mitigate the harmful impact of misinformation on democracy.
To explore the topic
The legal professional is seen as a key player in disrupting the harmful cycle caused by fake news.
Professionals need to stay updated on changes in the field to effectively serve their clients. Accessing reliable and up-to-date legal sources is crucial for legal professionals.
Find additional details on the topic in the book Fake news: the link between misinformation and law, edited by Diogo Rais, authored by various experts, and endorsed by the Publisher Magazine of the Courts. The book provides insights from legal, political, and other societal perspectives, exploring the challenges, effects, and accountabilities associated with fake news.
He discusses the impact of fake news on Electoral Justice, the anonymity of authors, and the role of media education in this important topic. Purchase now.