Giridhar Laveti’s Post

Social media's power to connect is undeniable, but misinformation clouds its potential. Can we combat falsehoods while safeguarding free speech? This post explores solutions for a healthier online environment, from global regulation to individual responsibility. Join the conversation! #misinformation #freespeech #socialmedia https://lnkd.in/gfpN8TPy

You can expect more of this. With the rise and capabilities of GenAI and the influence of Social Media, bad actors, and nation-states are amping up their game.

the proliferation of disinformation is a huge problem. being aware is but the first step. rooting out the sources and clearing social media of the disinformation are the next steps. https://lnkd.in/dAxzUTpi

🌐Today, social media dominates global information sharing, but an alarming number of users publish unverified information. Time to understand the basics! 📰 #Misinformation refers to the accidental spread of inaccurate information (e.g., Sharing a news article with outdated information, sharing rumors without checking the accuracy of the claims, etc.) 🤖 #Disinformation refers not only to inaccurate information but also to information that intends to deceive and is spread to do serious harm (e.g., fake news and doctored photos/videos/audio to misrepresent events or facts). State or non-state actors can spread it. 🕵🏻♂️ #Malinformation refers to information based on reality, but used to cause harm to a person, company, or country (e.g., doxing, that is, publicly sharing private information). Learn how we can recognize and tackle this global issue: A) Countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms (United Nations): https://lnkd.in/e4AY973G B) Behind the screens: insights from digital content creators; understanding their intentions, practices and challenges (UNESCO): https://lnkd.in/eRK92mh2 C) Content Creators and Journalists: Redefining News and Credibility in the Digital Age (Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas): https://lnkd.in/eiYiJr-x D) VERIFIED, a joint initiative of Purpose and the United Nations, is a crisis communications model designed to adeptly respond to intersecting crises in an era of prolific mis- and disinformation: https://lnkd.in/eBVt_xDZ #DigitalContent #SocialMedia #PledgeToPause

The rise of AI-generated #deepfakes is a major concern, with fake audio of Biden, manipulated Trump videos, and false images of the Middle East conflict spreading widely on social media. Platforms like #TikTok and X frequently host #misinformation and conspiracy theories, highlighting the need for #journalists to exercise caution. Check out some practical tips and tools to help #newsrooms combat disinformation and improve reporting. 📰💡

Part 2 Does Social Media need censorship ? Social media platforms wield significant influence as gatekeepers of public discourse. With this influence comes a duty to safeguard users and uphold the tenets of civil society. This entails implementing robust moderation policies, employing sophisticated algorithms to detect and mitigate harmful content, and fostering digital literacy and critical thinking among users. But where do we draw the line? The answer lies not in the hands of a select few, but in the collective wisdom of society. It's a conversation that transcends political affiliations, cultural boundaries, and corporate interests. Only through transparent discourse can we establish consensus on the boundaries of acceptable speech, ensuring the rights of individuals are respected while safeguarding the common good. As I conclude my contemplation, I'm reminded of the profound responsibility that accompanies the use of social media. Each interaction carries the potential to shape perceptions and influence behavior. It's a responsibility that demands humility and vigilance, recognizing the power we wield in the digital realm. Ultimately, the question of social media censorship is not one of absolutes but of balance and nuance. It's a question that calls for introspection, dialogue, and collective action—a question that resonates beyond the confines of our screens and speaks to the essence of our humanity.

If we’re going to allow media outlets with no journalistic integrity to continue to lie to their audience and pay $787.5 million for the one time they are actually held accountable, can we at least not allow them to label themselves a “news” organization, and use an AI overlay app to to do real-time fact-checking on their content? I understand that free speech absolutism means that we’re willing to allow hostile foreign governments, domestic political parties, corporations, and special interest groups to create alternate realities for the victims of their media ecosystems, despite how incredibly dangerous and destructive that is, but can we seriously not put any guardrails in place to increase digital literacy regarding sources of information? I’m using this example because it’s current, convenient, and from the most egregious practitioner of “fake news”, but there are plenty of other sources, some as bad or worse, and applying standards and leveraging technology to limit their harm, accidental or intentional, should be applied to EVERY media source, both traditional and social media. #news #media #journalisticintegrity #freespeech #disinformation #propaganda

“Social Media Censorship Threatens Freedom of Speech & Reputation” In an alarming trend, platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are undermining our constitutional right to free speech. By censoring political posts, these platforms not only limit open discussion but also impact the professional reputations of individuals who dare to voice differing perspectives. Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution enshrines freedom of speech and expression, yet private platforms increasingly act as gatekeepers, filtering which views are deemed acceptable. This trend is more than inconvenient—it’s harmful. For professionals like myself, social media visibility is crucial for our reputation and credibility. When platforms censor political content, they risk branding voices of dissent as untrustworthy, affecting how we’re viewed in our careers and communities. Censorship undercuts open discourse and stifles the very foundations of democracy. We must demand that these platforms respect our fundamental rights and uphold fair standards, or they will continue to infringe upon freedoms we cannot afford to lose.

Great BBC News article proposing steps for spotting misinformation in the new age of fast moving information. "One study, for example, found that just 15% of news sharers spread up to 40% of fake news." (study citation: https://lnkd.in/dcuk-wWx) Luckily, there are solutions, including the proposed "SIFT" method in the article: Stop 🛑 : In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, it's crucial to pause before reacting to online content, resisting the urge to immediately share or comment in order to reflect and verify the information. Investigate the Source 🤔 : Determine the credibility of a post's creator by researching their background, expertise, and biases on reputable websites, including their financial and political affiliations. Find Better Coverage 🌏 : Look for trustworthy verification of claims by using tools like Google News or fact-checking sites, ensuring these sources themselves are credible and connected to reliable networks. Trace the Claim 🛣 : Trace a claim back to its original source to verify its accuracy and context, checking for any potential misrepresentations or alterations in the way it's been presented online. These steps pinpoint everything that https://AskNews.app does to improve transparency into a story 🚀 , *especially* finding better coverage (try crossing language and country barriers to get the full picture) and tracing claims (how about a direct linked citation to every single claim in a news report). https://lnkd.in/dNu6c9Rk #bbc BBC News #misinformation #ai4good #diversity Amanda Ruggeri

Like, follow, retweet. This procedure seems to have become today's tool of war. Since 7 October, both sides of the #IsraelHamaswar have engaged in a sophisticated information war, employing various tactics to shape public opinion and narrative perceptions. From the deliberate dissemination of false narratives to the manipulation of social media platforms, the battleground extends far beyond physical conflict zones. Disinformation kills. So does failing to challenge harmful and dehumanizing rhetoric. How do we navigate around the increasingly complicated information fog? Click to read the full story.