In a move experts have labelled "a grave step backwards", Facebook owner Meta has decided to decommission CrowdTangle, a vital digital tool for tracking viral falsehoods.

The move which is scheduled to take effect on August 14, as per experts, will disrupt efforts to detect political misinformation in a major election year.

<h2>What is CrowdTangle?</h2>

CrowdTangle, as per an AFP report, is a game-changing tool which for years has offered researchers and journalists crucial real-time transparency into the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. &nbsp;

The monitoring tool, as per reports, will be replaced by another tool which researchers say&nbsp;lacks the same functionality and that news organisations will largely not have access to.

CrowdTangle will be replaced by a new Content Library, a technology still under development.

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The tool, as per tech industry experts, including former CrowdTangle chief executive Brandon Silverman, is currently not an effective replacement, especially in a year when world-over elections are likely to see a proliferation of AI-enabled falsehoods.

While Meta claims that the Content Library will contain more comprehensive data than CrowdTangle and will be available to academics and non-profit election integrity experts, concerns remain about access for independent researchers and journalists.&nbsp;

However, Meta has announced that the new tool will not be accessible&nbsp;for-profit media. This has raised questions about transparency and accountability.

<h2>What the experts say</h2>

This move comes just three months before the 2024 US Presidential election that will see incumbent Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump face off. Not only that, globally,&nbsp;dozens of countries&nbsp;will hold elections this year.

"In a year when almost half of the global population is expected to vote in elections, cutting off access to CrowdTangle will severely limit independent oversight of harms," warned Melanie Smith, director of research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.&nbsp;

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"It represents a grave step backwards for social media platform transparency," she said.

Historically, CrowdTangle has alerted researchers about harmful activities such as foreign interference, online harassment, and incitements to violence. It played an important role in quickly identifying "misinformation, voter interference and suppression," during the 2020 US elections.

Global non-profit Mozilla Foundation, along with dozens of technology watchdogs and researchers, has urged Meta to retain CrowdTangle until at least January 2025, citing concerns about the new tool's limitations.&nbsp;

"Abandoning CrowdTangle while the Content Library lacks so much of CrowdTangle's core functionality undermines the fundamental principle of transparency," said the letter.

However, defending the decision, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said that the Content Library will offer "more comprehensive data than CrowdTangle" and will be accessible to academics and non-profit election integrity experts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a move experts have labelled "a grave step backwards", Facebook owner Meta has decided to decommission CrowdTangle, a vital digital tool for tracking viral falsehoods.

In a move experts have labelled "a grave step backwards", Facebook owner Meta has decided to decommission CrowdTangle, a vital digital tool for tracking viral falsehoods. The move which is scheduled to take effect on August 14, as per experts, will disrupt efforts to detect political misinformation in a major election year. What is CrowdTangle? CrowdTangle, as per an AFP report, is a game-changing tool which for years has offered researchers and journalists crucial real-time transparency into the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The monitoring tool, as per reports, will be replaced by another tool which researchers say lacks the same functionality and that news organisations will largely not have access to. CrowdTangle will be replaced by a new Content Library, a technology still under development. Also read | New study reveals AI's hidden bias in screening depression in Black people The tool, as per tech industry experts, including former CrowdTangle chief executive Brandon Silverman, is currently not an effective replacement, especially in a year when world-over elections are likely to see a proliferation of AI-enabled falsehoods. While Meta claims that the Content Library will contain more comprehensive data than CrowdTangle and will be available to academics and non-profit election integrity experts, concerns remain about access for independent researchers and journalists. However, Meta has announced that the new tool will not be accessible for-profit media. This has raised questions about transparency and accountability. What the experts say This move comes just three months before the 2024 US Presidential election that will see incumbent Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump face off. Not only that, globally, dozens of countries will hold elections this year. "In a year when almost half of the global population is expected to vote in elections, cutting off access to CrowdTangle will severely limit independent oversight of harms," warned Melanie Smith, director of research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Also read | Elon Musk’s X mulling allowing ‘adult content’ in restricted communities "It represents a grave step backwards for social media platform transparency," she said. Historically, CrowdTangle has alerted researchers about harmful activities such as foreign interference, online harassment, and incitements to violence. It played an important role in quickly identifying "misinformation, voter interference and suppression," during the 2020 US elections. Global non-profit Mozilla Foundation, along with dozens of technology watchdogs and researchers, has urged Meta to retain CrowdTangle until at least January 2025, citing concerns about the new tool's limitations. "Abandoning CrowdTangle while the Content Library lacks so much of CrowdTangle's core functionality undermines the fundamental principle of transparency," said the letter. However, defending the decision, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said that the Content Library will offer "more comprehensive data than CrowdTangle" and will be accessible to academics and non-profit election integrity experts. (With inputs from agencies)

'A grave step backwards': Meta to scrap misinformation monitoring tool CrowdTangle ahead of 2024 US elections

A revised version of a measure to make it simpler for news organisations to bargain collectively with platforms like Google and Facebook was released by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Monday.&nbsp;

According to a news release from lawmakers, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act "removes legal obstacles to news organization's ability to negotiate collectively and secure fair terms from gatekeeper platforms that regularly access news content without paying for its value."

The group includes Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, Republican Senator John Kennedy, both of whom serve on the Judiciary Committee, as well as Democratic Representative David Cicilline and Republican Representative Ken Buck, both of whom serve on the House Judiciary Committee.&nbsp;

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The Computer &amp; Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, two trade associations for the technology sector that Facebook and Google, are members of, rejected an earlier iteration of the law that was filed in March 2021.

The amended measure would apply to non-network news broadcasters and publishers of news with fewer than 1,500 full-time employees. According to the news release, it would enable them to collaborate in order to obtain better agreements from Facebook, Google, and other significant platforms.&nbsp;

Any print, broadcast, or internet news business with a committed editorial staff that published at least once per week would have been subject to the 2021 Act.

(with inputs from agencies)

A revised version of a measure to make it simpler for news organisations to bargain collectively with platforms like Google and Facebook was released by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Monday.

A revised version of a measure to make it simpler for news organisations to bargain collectively with platforms like Google and Facebook was released by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Monday. According to a news release from lawmakers, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act "removes legal obstacles to news organization's ability to negotiate collectively and secure fair terms from gatekeeper platforms that regularly access news content without paying for its value." The group includes Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, Republican Senator John Kennedy, both of whom serve on the Judiciary Committee, as well as Democratic Representative David Cicilline and Republican Representative Ken Buck, both of whom serve on the House Judiciary Committee. Also Read: Shares tumble, dollar advances as inflation-busting interest rate hikes trigger recession The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, two trade associations for the technology sector that Facebook and Google, are members of, rejected an earlier iteration of the law that was filed in March 2021. The amended measure would apply to non-network news broadcasters and publishers of news with fewer than 1,500 full-time employees. According to the news release, it would enable them to collaborate in order to obtain better agreements from Facebook, Google, and other significant platforms. Any print, broadcast, or internet news business with a committed editorial staff that published at least once per week would have been subject to the 2021 Act. (with inputs from agencies)

Bill in US seeks to make it easier for news organisations to negotiate better deals with Google, Facebook

A US&nbsp;judge on Monday dismissed federal and state antitrust complaints against Facebook Inc that sought to force the social media company to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, saying the federal complaint was "legally insufficient." 
 
Facebook shares rose more than 4% after the ruling. The share price rise put Facebook`s market capitalisation over $1 trillion for the first time. 
 
The dismissal was the first big blow to state and federal lawsuits against Big Tech firms last year seeking to rein in alleged abuses of their massive market power. 
 
Judge James Boasberg of the US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia said the FTC failed to show that Facebook had monopoly power in the social-networking market but said the FTC could file a new complaint by July 29. 
 
He also dismissed a lawsuit by multiple US&nbsp;states, saying they waited too long to challenge the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014 respectively. The judge did not invite the states to refile their complaint. 
 
A spokesperson for the New York Attorney General’s office said it was "considering our legal options." 
 
Facebook had asked for the lawsuits to be dismissed. 
 
Regarding the FTC lawsuit, the judge wrote: "Although the court does not agree with all of Facebook`s contentions here, it ultimately concurs that the agency`s complaint is legally insufficient and must therefore be dismissed." 
 
A Facebook spokesperson said: "We are pleased that today’s decisions recognise the defects in the government complaints filed against Facebook." An FTC spokesperson said the agency was "closely reviewing the opinion and assessing the best option forward." 
 
A bright spot for the FTC in the opinion was the judge`s saying that the agency was "on firmer ground in scrutinising the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, as the court rejects Facebook`s argument that the FTC lacks authority to seek injunctive relief against those purchases." 
 
The FTC and a big group of states filed separate lawsuits last year that accused Facebook of breaking antitrust law to keep smaller competitors at bay by snapping up rivals, such as Instagram for $1 billion and WhatsApp for $19 billion. 
 
JUDGE FINDS FLAWS IN MARKET SHARE CLAIM 
 
The federal government and states filed a total of five lawsuits against Facebook and Alphabet Inc`s Google last year following bipartisan outrage over their social media clout in the economy and the political sphere. 
 
The judge said that the FTC did not adequately support its assertion that Facebook has more than 60% of the market. But Boasberg said the agency could potentially fix the issue in a refiling. 
 
The judge also criticised portions of the FTC`s case regarding its refusal to allow interoperability permissions with competing apps. 
 
Republican Senator Josh Hawley criticised the court`s decision on the FTC lawsuit as "deeply disappointing."

A US judge on Monday dismissed federal and state antitrust complaints against Facebook Inc that sought to force the social media company to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, saying the federal complaint was "legally insufficient.

A US judge on Monday dismissed federal and state antitrust complaints against Facebook Inc that sought to force the social media company to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, saying the federal complaint was "legally insufficient." Facebook shares rose more than 4% after the ruling. The share price rise put Facebook`s market capitalisation over $1 trillion for the first time. The dismissal was the first big blow to state and federal lawsuits against Big Tech firms last year seeking to rein in alleged abuses of their massive market power. Judge James Boasberg of the US District Court for the District of Columbia said the FTC failed to show that Facebook had monopoly power in the social-networking market but said the FTC could file a new complaint by July 29. He also dismissed a lawsuit by multiple US states, saying they waited too long to challenge the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014 respectively. The judge did not invite the states to refile their complaint. A spokesperson for the New York Attorney General’s office said it was "considering our legal options." Facebook had asked for the lawsuits to be dismissed. Regarding the FTC lawsuit, the judge wrote: "Although the court does not agree with all of Facebook`s contentions here, it ultimately concurs that the agency`s complaint is legally insufficient and must therefore be dismissed." A Facebook spokesperson said: "We are pleased that today’s decisions recognise the defects in the government complaints filed against Facebook." An FTC spokesperson said the agency was "closely reviewing the opinion and assessing the best option forward." A bright spot for the FTC in the opinion was the judge`s saying that the agency was "on firmer ground in scrutinising the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, as the court rejects Facebook`s argument that the FTC lacks authority to seek injunctive relief against those purchases." The FTC and a big group of states filed separate lawsuits last year that accused Facebook of breaking antitrust law to keep smaller competitors at bay by snapping up rivals, such as Instagram for $1 billion and WhatsApp for $19 billion. JUDGE FINDS FLAWS IN MARKET SHARE CLAIM The federal government and states filed a total of five lawsuits against Facebook and Alphabet Inc`s Google last year following bipartisan outrage over their social media clout in the economy and the political sphere. The judge said that the FTC did not adequately support its assertion that Facebook has more than 60% of the market. But Boasberg said the agency could potentially fix the issue in a refiling. The judge also criticised portions of the FTC`s case regarding its refusal to allow interoperability permissions with competing apps. Republican Senator Josh Hawley criticised the court`s decision on the FTC lawsuit as "deeply disappointing."

Facebook hits $1 trillion value after judge rejects antitrust complaints

The evergreen rivalry between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/apple">Apple</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>&nbsp;is back in the headlines with&nbsp;another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/whatsapp">WhatsApp</a>, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android.

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"I assume it’s in Apple’s interest to have everyone using an iPhone, I mean, obviously, it is," WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart started his explanation.&nbsp;

Citing Apple's messaging service, Cathcart said the iMessage experience is better if everyone else has an iPhone, and therefore, Apple has been manipulating the users.

"And you look at a place like the US, most people have an iPhone, and the messaging experience works better on iMessage if everyone else has an iPhone."

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Leading his point he explained that he feels WhatsApp has been purposely downplayed by Apple. "It's certainly in their strategic interest that people not use something like WhatsApp because they want people to not use an Android phone," he explained.

"If people switch to something like WhatsApp or another service it’s easier for their friends to go back and forth between an iPhone or an Android," he said.

Talking about the privacy labels of Apple, Cathcart said he believes WhatsApp directly competes with iMessage — which, he believes, is more popular in the US.

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"You don’t see a label for iMessage when you download it because you don’t download it, it’s on your phone to begin with. And so, we were critical of that," he said.

Dishing out on Apple, he also revealed that he uses an Android phone, even though he has used an iPhone in the past.&nbsp;

"Well, I use an Android because if you look at WhatsApp’s user base, we are very Android heavy. I also use an iPad, I’ve used iPhones for many years, but I really want to actually use the product in the way most people are using it, so I use an Android. A lot of people use both or go back and forth because we’re building our products for both and you got to understand them all," he justified.

The evergreen rivalry between Apple and Facebook is back in the headlines with another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android.

The evergreen rivalry between Apple and Facebook is back in the headlines with another allegation made by WhatsApp CEO against Apple Inc. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, CEO has alleged that Apple has been manipulating users and the company does not want anyone to use Android. Also read | This iPhone trick lets people snoop on others' private conversations "I assume it’s in Apple’s interest to have everyone using an iPhone, I mean, obviously, it is," WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart started his explanation. Citing Apple's messaging service, Cathcart said the iMessage experience is better if everyone else has an iPhone, and therefore, Apple has been manipulating the users. "And you look at a place like the US, most people have an iPhone, and the messaging experience works better on iMessage if everyone else has an iPhone." Also read | TikTok lookalike? Facebook launches new app, BARS, for rappers Leading his point he explained that he feels WhatsApp has been purposely downplayed by Apple. "It's certainly in their strategic interest that people not use something like WhatsApp because they want people to not use an Android phone," he explained. "If people switch to something like WhatsApp or another service it’s easier for their friends to go back and forth between an iPhone or an Android," he said. Talking about the privacy labels of Apple, Cathcart said he believes WhatsApp directly competes with iMessage — which, he believes, is more popular in the US. Also read | WhatsApp announces updated policy, reiterates 'committed to privacy' "You don’t see a label for iMessage when you download it because you don’t download it, it’s on your phone to begin with. And so, we were critical of that," he said. Dishing out on Apple, he also revealed that he uses an Android phone, even though he has used an iPhone in the past. "Well, I use an Android because if you look at WhatsApp’s user base, we are very Android heavy. I also use an iPad, I’ve used iPhones for many years, but I really want to actually use the product in the way most people are using it, so I use an Android. A lot of people use both or go back and forth because we’re building our products for both and you got to understand them all," he justified.

Apple doesn't want people to use Android, WhatsApp CEO alleges

The Australian privacy regulator filed a lawsuit against Facebook, accusing the social media giant of sharing the personal details of 300,000 people with political consultant Cambridge Analytica without their knowledge.

The Australian privacy regulator filed a lawsuit against Facebook, accusing the social media giant of sharing the personal details of 300,000 people with political consultant Cambridge Analytica without their knowledge. In the Federal Court lawsuit, the Australian Information Commissioner accused Facebook of breaching privacy law by disclosing 311,127 users' information for political profiling via a survey product, 'This Is Your Digital Life', on its website, reported news agency Reuters. "The design of the Facebook platform meant that users were unable to exercise reasonable choice and control about how their personal information was disclosed," Information Commissioner Angelene Falk said in a statement. The suit sought unspecified damages, adding that each breach of privacy law could draw a maximum penalty of A$1.7 million ($1.1 million). The fine would amount to A$529 billion if the court awarded the maximum for each of the 311,127 instances. A Facebook spokeswoman said the company had engaged "actively" with the Office of the Information Commissioner over the past two years as part of the investigation. "We’ve made major changes to our platforms, in consultation with international regulators, to restrict the information available to app developers, implement new governance protocols and build industry-leading controls to help people protect and manage their data," she said in a statement. "We’re unable to comment further as this is now before the Federal Court." Last July, Facebook was fined a record $5 billion by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission after a probe triggered by the same user personality quiz from 2014 to 2015.

Australian information watchdog sues Facebook over Cambridge Analytica-linked data breach

Adolf Hitler would have been able to put anti-Semitic advertisements on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-announces-steps-to-clamp-down-on-misinformation-ahead-of-2020-election-257494">Facebook </a>had the social network existed in the 1930s, according to British comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen.&nbsp;

The 48-year-old "Ali G" star singled out the US tech giant during a searing broadside Thursday against social media companies amplifying hatred and violence as part of "the greatest propaganda machine in history."

Speaking at Never Is Now, the Anti-Defamation League's New York conference on anti-Semitism and hate, he targeted Facebook for running political advertisements without fact-checking.

"Under this twisted logic, if Facebook were around in the 1930s, it would have allowed Hitler to post 30-second ads on his 'solution' to the 'Jewish problem,'" Baron Cohen said as he accepted the ADL's International Leadership Award.

Facebook told AFP, however, the actor had misrepresented its policies.&nbsp;

"Hate speech is actually banned on our platform. We ban people who advocate for violence and we remove anyone who praises or supports it," a spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"Nobody -- including politicians -- can advocate or advertise hate, violence or mass murder on Facebook."&nbsp;

Baron Cohen's remarks came a day after Google said it would not allow political advertisers to use "microtargeting" based on user browsing data, political affiliation or other factors, including on YouTube.

Google also sought to clarify its policy by indicating it does not allow "false claims" in advertising, political or otherwise.

The move followed a ban by Twitter on most kinds of political ads and comes amid growing pressure on internet platforms to curb the spread of misinformation around political campaigns.

Facebook, which has rejected efforts to fact-check political speech or ads, is being urged to follow suit.

"So here's a good standard and practice: Facebook, start fact-checking political ads before you run them," said Baron Cohen.

"Stop micro-targeted lies immediately, and when the ads are false, give back the money and don't publish them."

The controversial satirist's anarchic, gonzo-style comedy has spawned celebrated TV and movie characters such as Ali G and &nbsp;Borat Sagdiyev -- not to mention acclaim, the occasional lawsuit and a hatful of awards.

He went on to attack Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg's characterization of the company as a bastion of "free expression."&nbsp;

"I think we could all agree that we should not be giving bigots and pedophiles a free platform to amplify their views and target their victims," he said.

Adolf Hitler would have been able to put anti-Semitic advertisements on Facebook had the social network existed in the 1930s, according to British comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen.

Adolf Hitler would have been able to put anti-Semitic advertisements on Facebook had the social network existed in the 1930s, according to British comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen. The 48-year-old "Ali G" star singled out the US tech giant during a searing broadside Thursday against social media companies amplifying hatred and violence as part of "the greatest propaganda machine in history." Speaking at Never Is Now, the Anti-Defamation League's New York conference on anti-Semitism and hate, he targeted Facebook for running political advertisements without fact-checking. "Under this twisted logic, if Facebook were around in the 1930s, it would have allowed Hitler to post 30-second ads on his 'solution' to the 'Jewish problem,'" Baron Cohen said as he accepted the ADL's International Leadership Award. Facebook told AFP, however, the actor had misrepresented its policies. "Hate speech is actually banned on our platform. We ban people who advocate for violence and we remove anyone who praises or supports it," a spokesperson said. "Nobody -- including politicians -- can advocate or advertise hate, violence or mass murder on Facebook." Baron Cohen's remarks came a day after Google said it would not allow political advertisers to use "microtargeting" based on user browsing data, political affiliation or other factors, including on YouTube. Google also sought to clarify its policy by indicating it does not allow "false claims" in advertising, political or otherwise. The move followed a ban by Twitter on most kinds of political ads and comes amid growing pressure on internet platforms to curb the spread of misinformation around political campaigns. Facebook, which has rejected efforts to fact-check political speech or ads, is being urged to follow suit. "So here's a good standard and practice: Facebook, start fact-checking political ads before you run them," said Baron Cohen. "Stop micro-targeted lies immediately, and when the ads are false, give back the money and don't publish them." The controversial satirist's anarchic, gonzo-style comedy has spawned celebrated TV and movie characters such as Ali G and Borat Sagdiyev -- not to mention acclaim, the occasional lawsuit and a hatful of awards. He went on to attack Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg's characterization of the company as a bastion of "free expression." "I think we could all agree that we should not be giving bigots and pedophiles a free platform to amplify their views and target their victims," he said.

Facebook would have let Hitler post 'anti-semitic' ads: British comedian Cohen

In Facebook's "War Room," a nondescript space adorned with American and Brazilian flags, a team of 20 people monitors computer screens for signs of suspicious activity.

The freshly launched unit at Facebook's Menlo Park headquarters in California is the nerve center for the fight against misinformation and manipulation of the largest social network by foreign actors trying to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere.

Inside, the walls have clocks showing the time in various regions of the US and Brazil, maps and TV screens showing CNN, Fox News and Twitter, and other monitors showing graphs of Facebook activity in real time.

Facebook, which has been blamed for doing too little to prevent misinformation efforts by Russia and others in the 2016 US election, now wants the world to know it is taking aggressive steps with initiatives like the war room.

"Our job is to detect ... anyone trying to manipulate the public debate," said Nathaniel Gleicher, a former White House cybersecurity policy director for the National Security Council who is now heading Facebook's cybersecurity policy.

"We work to find and remove these actors."

Facebook has been racing to get measures in place and began operating this nerve center -- with a hastily taped "WAR ROOM" sign on the glass door -- for the first round of the presidential vote in Brazil on October 7.

It didn't take long to find false information and rumors being spread which could have had an impact on voters in Brazil.

"On election day, we saw a spike in voter suppression (messages) saying the election was delayed due to protests. That was not a true story," said Samidh Chakrabarti, Facebook's head of civic engagement.

Chakrabarti said Facebook was able to remove these posts in a couple of hours before they went viral.

"It could have taken days."

Humans and machines

At the unveiling of the war room for a small group of journalists including AFP this week, a man in a gray pork pie hat kept his eyes glued to his screen where a Brazilian flag was attached.

He said nothing but his mission was obvious -- watching for any hints of interference with the second round of voting in Brazil on October 28.

The war room, which will ramp up activity for the November 6 midterm US elections, is the most concrete sign of Facebook's efforts to weed out misinformation.

With experts in computer science, cybersecurity and legal specialists, the center is operating during peak times for the US and Brazil at present, with plans to eventually work 24/7.

The war room adds a human dimension to the artificial intelligence tools Facebook has already deployed to detect inauthentic or manipulative activity.

"Humans can adapt quickly to new threats," Gleicher said of the latest effort.

Chakrabarti said the new center is an important part of coordinating activity -- even for a company that has been built on remote communications among people in various parts of the world.

"There's no substitute to face to face interactions," he said.

The war room was activated just weeks ahead of the US vote, amid persistent fears of manipulation by Russia and other state entities, or efforts to polarize or inflame tensions.

The war room is part of stepped up security announced by Facebook that will be adding some 20,000 employees.

"With elections we need people to detect and remove (false information) as quickly as possible," Chakrabarti said.

The human and computerized efforts to weed out bad information complement each other, according to Chakrabarti.

"If an anomaly is detected in an automated way, then a data scientist will investigate, will see if there is really a problem," he said.

The efforts are also coordinated with Facebook's fact-checking partners around the world including media organizations such as AFP and university experts.

Gleicher said the team will remain on high alert for any effort that could lead to false information going viral and potentially impacting the result of an election.

"We need to stay ahead of bad actors," he said. "We keep shrinking the doorway. They keep trying to get in."

In Facebook's "War Room," a nondescript space adorned with American and Brazilian flags, a team of 20 people monitors computer screens for signs of suspicious activity.

In Facebook's "War Room," a nondescript space adorned with American and Brazilian flags, a team of 20 people monitors computer screens for signs of suspicious activity. The freshly launched unit at Facebook's Menlo Park headquarters in California is the nerve center for the fight against misinformation and manipulation of the largest social network by foreign actors trying to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere. Inside, the walls have clocks showing the time in various regions of the US and Brazil, maps and TV screens showing CNN, Fox News and Twitter, and other monitors showing graphs of Facebook activity in real time. Facebook, which has been blamed for doing too little to prevent misinformation efforts by Russia and others in the 2016 US election, now wants the world to know it is taking aggressive steps with initiatives like the war room. "Our job is to detect ... anyone trying to manipulate the public debate," said Nathaniel Gleicher, a former White House cybersecurity policy director for the National Security Council who is now heading Facebook's cybersecurity policy. "We work to find and remove these actors." Facebook has been racing to get measures in place and began operating this nerve center -- with a hastily taped "WAR ROOM" sign on the glass door -- for the first round of the presidential vote in Brazil on October 7. It didn't take long to find false information and rumors being spread which could have had an impact on voters in Brazil. "On election day, we saw a spike in voter suppression (messages) saying the election was delayed due to protests. That was not a true story," said Samidh Chakrabarti, Facebook's head of civic engagement. Chakrabarti said Facebook was able to remove these posts in a couple of hours before they went viral. "It could have taken days." Humans and machines At the unveiling of the war room for a small group of journalists including AFP this week, a man in a gray pork pie hat kept his eyes glued to his screen where a Brazilian flag was attached. He said nothing but his mission was obvious -- watching for any hints of interference with the second round of voting in Brazil on October 28. The war room, which will ramp up activity for the November 6 midterm US elections, is the most concrete sign of Facebook's efforts to weed out misinformation. With experts in computer science, cybersecurity and legal specialists, the center is operating during peak times for the US and Brazil at present, with plans to eventually work 24/7. The war room adds a human dimension to the artificial intelligence tools Facebook has already deployed to detect inauthentic or manipulative activity. "Humans can adapt quickly to new threats," Gleicher said of the latest effort. Chakrabarti said the new center is an important part of coordinating activity -- even for a company that has been built on remote communications among people in various parts of the world. "There's no substitute to face to face interactions," he said. The war room was activated just weeks ahead of the US vote, amid persistent fears of manipulation by Russia and other state entities, or efforts to polarize or inflame tensions. The war room is part of stepped up security announced by Facebook that will be adding some 20,000 employees. "With elections we need people to detect and remove (false information) as quickly as possible," Chakrabarti said. The human and computerized efforts to weed out bad information complement each other, according to Chakrabarti. "If an anomaly is detected in an automated way, then a data scientist will investigate, will see if there is really a problem," he said. The efforts are also coordinated with Facebook's fact-checking partners around the world including media organizations such as AFP and university experts. Gleicher said the team will remain on high alert for any effort that could lead to false information going viral and potentially impacting the result of an election. "We need to stay ahead of bad actors," he said. "We keep shrinking the doorway. They keep trying to get in."

Facebook launches 'war room' to combat manipulation

Facebook, Twitter, Google&#39;s YouTube and Microsoft today agreed to an EU code of conduct to tackle online hate speech within 24 hours in Europe.

EU governments have been trying in recent months to get social platforms to crack down on rising online racism following the refugee crisis and terror attacks, with some even threatening action against the companies.

As part of the pledge agreed with the European Commission, the web giants will review the majority of valid requests for removal of illegal hate speech in less than 24 hours and remove or disable access to the content if necessary.

They will also strengthen their cooperation with civil society organisations who help flag hateful content when it goes online and promote &quot;counter-narratives&quot; to hate speech.

&quot;The recent terror attacks have reminded us of the urgent need to address illegal online hate speech. Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalise young people,&quot; EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said.

Germany got Google, Facebook and Twitter to agree to delete hate speech from their websites within 24 hours last year and even launched an investigation into the European head of Facebook over its alleged failure to remove racist hate speech.

&quot;There&#39;s no place for hate speech on Facebook,&quot; said Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management at Facebook.

&quot;With a global community of 1.6 billion people,&nbsp;we work hard to balance giving people the power to express themselves whilst ensuring we provide a respectful environment.&quot;

The code of conduct is largely a continuation of efforts that the companies already take to counter hate speech on their websites, such as developing tools for people to report hateful content and training staff to handle such requests.

Twitter has suspended over 125,000 accounts since the middle of 2015 for threatening or promoting terror acts, primarily related to Islamic State.

The United States has undertaken similar efforts to entice the cooperation of tech companies in combating online radicalisation, focusing on promoting &quot;counter-narratives&quot; to extremist content.

EU ministers had called for cooperation with tech companies to be stepped up after the Brussels attacks in March.

Jewish lobbyists, frequently the target of hate speech, welcomed the code of conduct.

&quot;This a historic agreement that could not arrive at a better time,&rdquo; said Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress.

Following migrant refugee crisis and terror attacks, governments have been trying to crack down on inflammatory online content.

Facebook, Twitter, Google's YouTube and Microsoft today agreed to an EU code of conduct to tackle online hate speech within 24 hours in Europe. EU governments have been trying in recent months to get social platforms to crack down on rising online racism following the refugee crisis and terror attacks, with some even threatening action against the companies. As part of the pledge agreed with the European Commission, the web giants will review the majority of valid requests for removal of illegal hate speech in less than 24 hours and remove or disable access to the content if necessary. They will also strengthen their cooperation with civil society organisations who help flag hateful content when it goes online and promote "counter-narratives" to hate speech. "The recent terror attacks have reminded us of the urgent need to address illegal online hate speech. Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalise young people," EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said. Germany got Google, Facebook and Twitter to agree to delete hate speech from their websites within 24 hours last year and even launched an investigation into the European head of Facebook over its alleged failure to remove racist hate speech. "There's no place for hate speech on Facebook," said Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management at Facebook. "With a global community of 1.6 billion people, we work hard to balance giving people the power to express themselves whilst ensuring we provide a respectful environment." The code of conduct is largely a continuation of efforts that the companies already take to counter hate speech on their websites, such as developing tools for people to report hateful content and training staff to handle such requests. Twitter has suspended over 125,000 accounts since the middle of 2015 for threatening or promoting terror acts, primarily related to Islamic State. The United States has undertaken similar efforts to entice the cooperation of tech companies in combating online radicalisation, focusing on promoting "counter-narratives" to extremist content. EU ministers had called for cooperation with tech companies to be stepped up after the Brussels attacks in March. Jewish lobbyists, frequently the target of hate speech, welcomed the code of conduct. "This a historic agreement that could not arrive at a better time,” said Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Microsoft back EU hate speech rules

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