Facebook 'context' button is latest effort to fight fake news

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - Facebook said it was testing a new “button” to allow users to get more context about a news source, in the latest move by the leading social network to curb misinformation.

The new feature will allow users to get context on the source of a news article with a single click without leaving Facebook and its news feed.

“We are testing a button that people can tap to easily access additional information without needing to go elsewhere,” said a Facebook blog post signed by product managers Andrew Anker, Sara Su and Jeff Smith. “The additional contextual information is pulled from across Facebook and other sources, such as information from the publisher's Wikipedia entry.” In some cases, if that information is unavailable, Facebook “will let people know, which can also be helpful context,” the post said.

“Helping people access this important contextual information can help them evaluate if articles are from a publisher they trust, and if the story itself is credible.” The move is the latest by Facebook to stem the flow of fake news, hoaxes and disinformation after a series of revelations showing how unverified news went viral on social networks during the 2016 US election.

The announcement comes a day after US senators said they would ask executives from Facebook, Google and Twitter to testify at a November 1 hearing on Russian efforts to manipulate internet platforms during the election campaign.