Facebook enlists fact-checking partners to combat fake news

This photo combo of images provided by Facebook demonstrates some of the new measures Facebook is taking to curb the spread of fake news on its huge and influential social network. The company is focusing on the "worst of the worst" offenders and partnering with outside fact-checkers to sort honest news reports from made-up stories that play to people's passions and preconceived notions. (Facebook via AP)
Over the past few months we’ve heard a lot about fake news and especially its impact on the presidential election. Writers can make up stories and publish them on the web, where they’re often shared on social media, making it difficult to tell fact from fiction.
Facebook wants to make it a bit easier to discern the difference. The company is partnering with several well-known fact-checking organizations to help identify and label fake news stories shared on Facebook.
One of those partners is Philadelphia-based FactCheck.org. Its director, Eugene Kiely, explained how the new initiative will work to NewsWorks Tonight’s Brad Linder.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.