Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports

Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports

SUMMARY

This is an attempt from the company to stem misinformation on its platform

The false rated results will be removed from places where users seek out new content

Facebook started using image-detection on Instagram in May

As the concerns around misinformation continue to concern across the globe, Facebook-owned photo sharing platform Instagram has now joined the bandwagon. Instagram has announced that it is adding an option for users to report posts they think are false i.e. flag them.

This is an attempt from the company to stem misinformation and other abuses on its platform. Results rated as false are removed from places where users seek out new content, like Instagram’s Explore tab and hashtag search results.

It is notable that sharing false information is not banned on any of Facebook’s social media services, the company is taking steps to limit the reach of inaccurate information and warn users about disputed claims.

It is being reported that Facebook started using image-detection on Instagram in May. It aimed to find content debunked on Instagram flag and also expanded its third-party fact-checking program to the app. “This is an initial step as we work towards a more comprehensive approach to tackling misinformation,” said a Facebook spokesperson.

Even though Facebook has 54 fact-checking partners working in 42 languages, the Instagram misinformation programme is currently being rolled out only in the United States.

It is to be noted that Facebook has been facing the ire of users and government bodies alike since the exodus of Russian interference in American elections followed by Cambridge Analytica debacle. The impact had trickled down to its subsidiaries such as WhatsApp, but Instagram was mostly safe.

However, an independent report commissioned by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence found that it was “perhaps the most effective platform” for Russian actors trying to spread false information since the election. Russian operatives appeared to shift much of their activity to Instagram, where engagement outperformed Facebook, the report said..

“Our assessment is that Instagram is likely to be a key battleground on an ongoing basis,” they said.

Further, the company was recently embroiled in a data breach. A security researcher Anurag Sen had said that a database, hosted by Amazon Web Services, which contained contact information of millions of Instagram influencers, celebrities and brand accounts was reportedly left in the open and without a password, allowing anyone to look inside.

However, Instagram has said that its initial investigation has revealed that no private emails or phone numbers of Instagram users were accessed.

Over the last few months, Instagram has also come under pressure to block health hoaxes, including posts trying to dissuade people from getting vaccinated. As the company enables users to be conscious of their likes with Instagram Flag, Instagram may leverage Facebook and WhatsApp’s experience in ensuring the right use of such programmes.

You have reached your limit of free stories
Become An Inc42 Plus Member

Become a Startup Insider in 2024 with Inc42 Plus. Join our exclusive community of 10,000+ founders, investors & operators and stay ahead in India’s startup & business economy.

2 YEAR PLAN
₹19999
₹7999
₹333/Month
Unlock 60% OFF
Cancel Anytime
1 YEAR PLAN
₹9999
₹4999
₹416/Month
Unlock 50% OFF
Cancel Anytime
Already A Member?
Discover Startups & Business Models

Unleash your potential by exploring unlimited articles, trackers, and playbooks. Identify the hottest startup deals, supercharge your innovation projects, and stay updated with expert curation.

Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports-Inc42 Media
How-To’s on Starting & Scaling Up

Empower yourself with comprehensive playbooks, expert analysis, and invaluable insights. Learn to validate ideas, acquire customers, secure funding, and navigate the journey to startup success.

Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports-Inc42 Media
Identify Trends & New Markets

Access 75+ in-depth reports on frontier industries. Gain exclusive market intelligence, understand market landscapes, and decode emerging trends to make informed decisions.

Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports-Inc42 Media
Track & Decode the Investment Landscape

Stay ahead with startup and funding trackers. Analyse investment strategies, profile successful investors, and keep track of upcoming funds, accelerators, and more.

Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports-Inc42 Media
Instagram Users In The US Can Now Flag False Reports-Inc42 Media
You’re in Good company