Facebook launches ‘Journalism Project’ to fight spread of ‘fake news’

As part of the new “Journalism Project,” Facebook said on Wednesday that it would focus on improving its current storytelling formats such as Live, 360 and Instant Articles.

The company also plans to test a feature using Instant Articles to allow readers to see multiple stories at a time, as a package, from their preferred news organizations.

Working with third-party organizations, Facebook said it will work to promote “news literacy” and help users decide which sources are trustworthy and would also continue to work on curbing hoaxes.

Fake news

Facebook has faced huge criticism in recent weeks amid claims that it did not do enough to tackle the problem of fake news stories on its platform, particularly during the US presidential campaign.

“We care a great deal about making sure that a healthy news ecosystem and journalism can thrive,” Fidji Simo, director of product at Facebook, said in a blog post.

Ad breaks

Facebook also said on Wednesday it would explore the introduction of advertising breaks in regular videos. The company has previously tested the ad format for Facebook Live.

The launch comes less than a week after the company said it was hiring former CNN reporter, anchor and host Campbell Brown to lead its news partnerships team.

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