Polls: Facebook implements new rules to combat fake news

Facebook, the popular online social media and social networking service, says it has implemented new advertising rules to tackle false news, fake accounts and hate speech on its platform as the 2019 General elections approach.

According to Reuters, Facebook will extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the European Union before significant votes in the next few months.

Nigeria will hold its presidential election on Feb. 16, while Ukraine will follow on March 31and India will vote for parliament this spring.

Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Director of Global Politics and Outreach, said: “Beginning on Wednesday in Nigeria, only advertisers located in the country would be able to run electoral ads.’’

As the largest social media service in nearly every big country, Facebook has become a means for politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda.

Buying Facebook ads can widen the audience for such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company’s policies.

Under pressure from authorities around the world, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads.

Highlighting Facebook’s commitment to fighting the spread of false news and hate speech on the platform, Akua Gyekye, Public Policy Head, Anglophone, West Africa said that Facebook cared about Nigeria.

“Due to the care, Facebook is investing in the country.

“Facebook’s mission is clear; to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer together.

“Our mission in Nigeria is no different – we understand the importance of being local in a global world and want to have a positive long-term impact.

“In addition, we want to support people who want to be more civically engaged and connect with issues they care about not just on Election Day, but every day,” she said.

Gyekye also stressed the need for people to be vigilant, especially during the election period, and to report any content that they feel might be in contravention of Facebook’s Community Standards.