The first article, written in collaboration with CivilNet’s fact-checking team and Meta, was published on July 3.

Followers of the “Hayastan Jan” Facebook page may have noticed that two posts were labeled as “false” yesterday. There is also an article explaining the fact-checkers’ ruling, providing a point-by-point explanation that the facts in the two articles posted on the “Hayastan Jan” Facebook page are distorted and false.

 

To combat misinformation on its social platforms, Meta partners with independent fact-checking organizations, which review and assess the accuracy of content.

CivilNet’s fact-checking team has become Meta’s partner in Armenia in checking Armenian-language content on Facebook and Instagram, finding disinformation and fake news, and warning users. 

CivilNet from Armenia is the only member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), and the presence and membership of that network’s certificate is a mandatory criterion for cooperation with Meta. 

CivilNetCheck editor Ani Grigoryan states that CivilNet became an IFCN member in March 2023, which was the main factor enabling cooperation with Meta.

“It’s no secret that social networks, especially Facebook, are very popular. Social platforms are a primary source of information for many in our society. Users often pay close attention to what is written and published on Facebook, without necessarily considering the trustworthiness of the pages they follow. I believe that the tool provided by Meta will significantly reduce the spread of misinformation on social networks, which is very promising. It’s reassuring that Meta is taking responsibility for the Armenian community,” stated the editor of CivilNetCheck.

After identifying content containing misinformation, fact-checkers must label it based on Meta’s defined categories: false, altered, partly false, missing context, satire, and true.

For the first four instances of misinformation, Meta will decrease the promotion of that information and reduce the visibility of the page, thus attempting to curb the spread of false information. Besides reducing the visibility of pages, groups, and accounts that consistently spread misinformation, the ability to monetize and advertise will also be revoked.

“Meta has its own rules and standards, which we must adhere to while conducting the verification process. For example, the spheres on the priority list for Meta are listed, and fact-checkers should always keep them in focus. For example, they can be news and publications that cause alarm and panic among the public, which negatively impact the formation of public opinion, publications related to public health safety, and news containing conspiracy theories. Of course, there are also limitations. Meta prohibits us from addressing politicians’ speech to protect the integrity of political debates.” says Ani Grigoryan.Touching on the potential complaints that may arise from their activities, Ani asserts that their work is not aimed at any specific group or organization. The sole target will be false and misleading information.

“I want to emphasize that our target will not be the media. However, if they attempt to spread misinformation and fake news that could significantly affect public opinion negatively, we will have to address those publications as well. This is at Meta’s request,” says Ani.

CivilNetCheck, for example, conducted a study on the rulings from various countries, along with the verdicts of the Facebook fact-checking program that was first implemented in Armenia 3 years ago in partnership with media.am and the Georgian GRASS.

Ani is optimistic that the fact-checking conducted by media.am on Facebook in 2021 will better prepare both the media industry and the groups and organizations active on social platforms for this process.