Technology

Posted on March 21, 2018 by staff

Google launches initiative to tackle fake news

Technology

Google has announced plans to combat the problem of fake news through a Google News Initiative.

The search giant wrote in a blog post that it plans to spend $300 million over the next three years to improve the accuracy and quality of news on its platforms.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish what’s true (and not true) online,” wrote chief business officer Philipp Schindler.

“Business models for journalism continue to change drastically. The rapid evolution of technology is challenging all institutions, including the news industry—to keep pace.

“We need to do more. That’s why we’re launching the Google News Initiative, our effort to help journalism thrive in the digital age.

“The GNI signifies a major milestone in Google’s 15-year commitment to the news industry, and will bring together everything we do in collaboration with the industry—across products, partnerships, and programs—to help build a stronger future for news.”

It said it will take a three-pronged approach to tackling fake news through elevating and strengthening quality journalism, evolving business models to drive sustainable growth and empowering news organisations through technological innovation.

Google also announced a new tool to help its users subscribe to news publications through their Google account. The news subscription service is launching with the Financial Times, the New York Times, Le Figaro and The Telegraph, among others.