Microsoft will start warning mobile Edge users about fake news

[CyberTech]

Content source

https://www.techspot.com/news/78398-microsoft-start-warning-mobile-edge-users-about-fake.html

In brief: In an attempt by Microsoft to stop the spread of fake news, users of its Edge mobile browser are being warned when visiting news sites that are considered untrustworthy. One of the biggest culprits is the Daily Mail's online edition, which the feature warns “generally fails to maintain basic standards of accuracy and accountability” and “has been forced to pay damages in numerous high-profile cases.”

The feature comes through a partnership with third-party startup NewsGuard and is part of Microsoft’s Defending Democracy program. NewsGuard rates sites based on nine criteria, such as not repeatedly publishing false content, avoiding deceptive headlines, and clearly labeling paid-for content.

NewsGuard had been available as an optional extension for Edge, but Microsoft is now rolling it out as a built-in feature in the mobile version of its browser. Its creators hope this will be the first step before a broader rollout across multiple platforms.

As noted by the Guardian, Edge is warning those who visit the Mail Online that “the site regularly publishes content that has damaged reputations, caused widespread alarm, or constituted harassment or invasion of privacy.” Much like the Kremlin-backed RT news service, the Mail scores just one out of five for credibility.

NewsGuard co-founder Steve Brill says websites with poor ratings should complain to his firm and not Microsoft. “They can blame us. And we’re happy to be blamed. Unlike the platforms we’re happy to be accountable,” he said.

One of the problems with this initiative is Edge's relatively low popularity. On desktop, it’s the preferred browser of choice for just 4.3 percent of users, whereas Chrome boasts 64.15 percent. The figure is even lower on mobile, where Edge has only a 0.07 percent share.

 

[LDogg]

Now all this depends in what Microsoft will categorise as "fake news". Everyone has their own political agenda and ideologies.

~LDogg

 

[Arequire]

Now all this depends in what Microsoft will categorise as "fake news". Everyone has their own political agenda and ideologies.

~LDogg

Microsoft isn't categorising anything. It's done by a third-party called NewsGuard and sites are rated based on these nine criteria:

• Does not repeatedly publish false content
• Gathers and presents information responsibly
• Regularly corrects or clarifies errors
• Handles the difference between news and opinion responsibly
• Avoids deceptive headlines
• Website discloses ownership and financing
• Clearly labels advertising
• Reveals who’s in charge, including any possible conflicts of interest
• Provides information about content creators

 

[LDogg]

Microsoft isn't categorising anything. It's done by a third-party called NewsGuard and sites are rated based on these nine criteria:

• Does not repeatedly publish false content
• Gathers and presents information responsibly
• Regularly corrects or clarifies errors
• Handles the difference between news and opinion responsibly
• Avoids deceptive headlines
• Website discloses ownership and financing
• Clearly labels advertising
• Reveals who’s in charge, including any possible conflicts of interest
• Provides information about content creators

Thanks for letting me know. The categories look unbiased and needed.

~LDogg

 

[Vasudev]

Now all this depends in what Microsoft will categorise as "fake news". Everyone has their own political agenda and ideologies.

~LDogg

Even MS news app delivers ads and fake news most of the times o windows phone!

 

[LDogg]

Even MS news app delivers ads and fake news most of the times o windows phone!

Indeed they do.

~LDogg

 

[37507]

...

This is a joke right?

 

[TairikuOkami]

The categories look unbiased and needed.

I wonder, why did they bother to sugar-sweet it, it is pretty obvious, what are fake news, they do not even hide it anymore - any Russian/Chinese news, that do not match US/EU news reports. The second cold war in progress. :emoji_expressionless:

"With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured...the first thought forbidden...the first freedom denied – chains us all, irrevocably."

 

[jogs]

With so much information it becomes very difficult to infer for anybody which info is correct & which is fake. But if users put a little bit of thought then most of the times fake new can be detected.
Few years ago one pic was being circulated in my country stating that some people's house were being burnt. The pic was actually of Syria and one could easily see that the buildings were destroyed (broken) not burned.