Corona: Combating fake news – the pitfalls of artificial intelligence.
Facebook's AI has problems and blocks links - the most important thing to start with:
The search for problematic content is heavily controlled by artificial intelligence. However, errors can occur here, which is currently causing posts with information about Corona / COVID-19 to be classified as spam.
Curb misinformation
The world's largest tech platforms (Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Reddit) are working closely together to curb the spread of coronavirus-related misinformation.
The search for problematic content currently relies heavily on artificial intelligence.
This does not always work as precisely as humans, so errors can occur. Due to errors in the anti-spam systems, posts that led to information/articles about Corona/COVID 19 were also marked as spam.
These errors are currently being repaired. This can also lead to delays in the processing of objections.
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Twitter launches educational tool
There are also numerous tweets and conversations about Corona on Twitter. Accordingly, Twitter has launched an educational tool in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in cooperation with relevant partners.
As soon as Twitter users in these countries click on the #Coronavirus trend or search for specific keywords (coronavirus and 30 other relevant keywords), the tool is displayed at the top of the timeline to provide interested users with relevant and verified information from the partners and reduce possible misinformation.
Spreading fake news
Countries are trying to slow the spread of the corona pandemic with massive cuts in public life. At the same time, a lot of false information about the virus is spreading on social networks. In Germany, this apparently mainly happens via WhatsApp Messenger.
According to ARD, for example, the news spread there that supermarkets in Germany would soon be closed - which is demonstrably false. Intentionally spreading misinformation like this can further fuel panic purchases, worsening the real supply situation for many people.
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Fraudsters are taking advantage of crises
For example, cybercriminals have created apps that claim to show the spread of the coronavirus. These actually contain ransomware. These are programs that encrypt the computer and block the data.
At the same time, criminals are trying to exploit fear of the pandemic using phishing emails. For example, the cyber criminals pose as employees of the World Health Organization.
Sources: Reuters / Computerbild / The Verge / t3n
Article image: ESB Professional / Shutterstock
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )