AFP announced Thursday the launch of a new fact-checking initiative with TikTok to combat the spread of misinformation over the short-form viral video app.

Under the agreement, AFP fact-check teams will verify potentially false and misleading videos posted on the TikTok platform in countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.

The verification work will allow TikTok to counter the spread of misinformation by removing such content and notifying users.

"AFP is delighted to be leveraging our global fact-checking expertise for this exciting project with TikTok," said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's Global News Director.

"It is a major editorial priority for AFP to engage younger audiences on social media through fact-based journalism.

"And the deal will also allow AFP journalists to better cover and track misinformation trends on both our wires and our specialist fact-checking site factcheck.AFP.com."

AFP retains full editorial independence in verifying the TikTok content that comes under review.

"At TikTok, we actively work to create a safe and supportive environment for our users," said Arjun Narayan, TikTok Director of Trust and Safety, Asia Pacific.

"We'll continue to keep deceptive content and accounts off our platform through our latest Fact-Checking Program."

Since its launch in 2017, AFP's digital investigation unit has grown to become the largest global network of dedicated journalists in this field.

AFP currently works with Facebook's fact-checking programme, with 90 journalists working in 16 languages and covering 80 countries.

Related Links
Satellite-based Internet technologies

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

US administration unveils bill to limit online liability shield
Washington (AFP) Sept 23, 2020
The Trump administration unveiled legislation Wednesday aimed at limiting the liability shield of online services for content they host, the latest in a series of proposals motivated by a backlash against Big Tech platforms. The Justice Department said its proposal seeks to reform a law known as Section 230 which protects internet services from liability from third-party content. "For too long Section 230 has provided a shield for online platforms to operate with impunity," said Attorney General ... read more