Facebook in battle against fake news

FACEBOOK IS to print adverts containing tips on how to spot fake news, the social network has said.

The adverts will appear in national newspapers from today and advise Facebook users to “be sceptical of headlines” and check other reports on the same subject before believing a story.

The social media giant has been heavily criticised for its handling of fake news content, with MPs among those warning the site must do more.

Facebook claims it has already removed “thousands” of fake accounts in the UK following a new drive to identify and shut down such content.

However, a recent investigation found fake news stories linked to Lord Sugar and Professor Stephen Hawking still appeared on the site.

Simon Milner, the tech firm’s director of policy in the UK, said: “People want to see accurate information on Facebook and so do we.

“That is why we are doing everything we can to tackle the problem of false news.

“We have developed new ways to identify and remove fake accounts that might be spreading false news so that we get to the root of the problem.”

Last week, the Home Affairs Select Committee called Facebook and other social media sites “completely irresponsible” in their handling of fake news and other extreme content on their platforms.

has joined forces with regional newspapers around the UK to launch a co-ordinated campaign that – first and foremost – is designed to wholly discredit the creators of so-called fake news, but also to urge the Government to take legislative action.