Facebook to begin warning users of fake news before German election

With the federal election looming in
Germany, Facebook is beginning to
attach warning labels to made-up
stories seen by German users of
the web site.
The effort, an attempt to curb the spread of "fake
news" and hoaxes on the site, started in the United
States last month.
Now it is expanding to other countries. The choice
of Germany is notable because the country's own
intelligence agency has raised alarms about a
disinformation campaign, including fraudulent
stories, intended "to influence the federal election."
The election is expected to be held in September.
Facebook's labeling tests -- the company
emphasizes the word "test" -- involves help from
outside fact-checking organizations.
When a user posts a link that has been flagged by
the fact-checkers, a warning label appears below
the story that says the information has been
disputed.
This effort focused on the "worst of the worst" fake
stories, said Patrick Walker, the company's head of
media partnerships in Europe, Africa and the
Middle East, at a recent panel discussion in
London.
The test will begin in Germany in a matter of
weeks.
When asked about the pre-election timing, a
Facebook spokesperson said, "When we launched
this in the US we said that we would expand the
pilot into other countries over time. We've listened
to our community and begun talks with other
global partners, and the readiness of German
partners allows us to begin testing in Germany. We
expect to announce efforts in additional countries
soon."
The outside fact-checkers have all signed on to
Poynter's International Fact Checking Code of
Principles.
But on Sunday the list of signatories on Poynter's
web site did not include any from Germany.