SOCIAL
Meta, TikTok, Google and Twitter All Preparing to Sign-On to New Misinformation Rules in Europe
Amid ongoing debate around the impact of misinformation shared online, and the role that social media, in particular, plays in the spread of false narratives, a new anti-disinformation push in Europe could play a big role in improving detection and response across the biggest digital media platforms.
As reported by The Financial Times, Meta, Twitter, Google, Microsoft and TikTok are all planning to sign on to an updated version of the EU’s ‘anti-disinformation code’, which will see the implementation of new requirements, and penalties, in dealing with misinformation.
As per FT:
“According to a confidential report seen by the Financial Times, an updated “code of practice on disinformation” will force tech platforms to disclose how they’re removing, blocking or curbing harmful content in advertising and in the promotion of content. Online platforms will have to counter “harmful disinformation” by developing tools and partnerships with fact-checkers that may include taking down propaganda, but also the inclusion of “indicators of trustworthiness” on independently verified information on issues like the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The push would see an expansion of the tools currently used by social platforms to detect and remove misinformation, while it may also see a new body formed to set rules around what classifies as ‘misinformation’ in this context, which could take some of the onus on this off the platforms themselves.
Though that would also place more control into the hands of government-approved groups to determine what is and isn’t ‘fake news’ – which, as we’ve seen in some regions, can also be used to quell public dissent.
Last year, Twitter was forced to block hundreds of accounts at the request of the Indian Government, due to users sharing ‘inflammatory’ remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More recently, Russia has banned almost every non-local social media app over the distribution of news relating to the invasion of Ukraine, while the Chinese Government also has bans in place for most western social media platforms.
The implementation of laws to curb misinformation also, by default, put the lawmakers themselves in charge of determining what falls under the ‘misinformation’ banner, which, on the surface, in most regions, seems like a positive step. But it can be used in a negative, authoritarian way.
In addition to this, the platforms would be required to provide a country-by-country breakdown of their efforts, as opposed to sharing global or Europe-wide data on such.
The new regulations will eventually be incorporated into the EU’s Digital Services Act, which will force the platforms to take relative action, or risk facing fines of up to 6% of their global turnover.
And while this agreement would relate to European nations specifically, similar proposals have already been shared in other regions, with the Australian, Canadian and UK Governments all seeking to implement new laws to force big tech action to limit the distribution of fake news.
As such, this latest push likely points to a broader, international approach to fake news and misinformation online, which will ensure digital platforms are held accountable for combating false reports in a timely, efficient manner.
Which is good, and most would agree that misinformation has had harmful impacts in recent years, in various ways. But again, the complexities around such can make enforcement difficult, which also points to the need for an overarching regulatory approach to determine what, exactly, is ‘fake news’, and who gets to determine such on a broad scale.
Referring to ‘fact checkers’ is one thing, but really, given the risks of misuse, there should be an official, objective body, detached from government, that can provide oversight on such.
That too will be exceeding difficult to implement. But again, the risks of allowing censorship, through the targeting of selective ‘misinformation’, can pose just as significant a threat as false reports themselves.
SOCIAL
Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
SOCIAL
Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
SOCIAL
Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement
Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.
That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.
Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.
That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.
Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.
Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
-
MARKETING7 days ago
A Recap of Everything Marketers & Advertisers Need to Know
-
PPC5 days ago
How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2024 (+9 Ways to Go Viral)
-
SEO6 days ago
Blog Post Checklist: Check All Prior to Hitting “Publish”
-
SEO4 days ago
How to Use Keywords for SEO: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
-
MARKETING5 days ago
How To Protect Your People and Brand
-
SEARCHENGINES6 days ago
Google Started Enforcing The Site Reputation Abuse Policy
-
PPC6 days ago
How to Craft Compelling Google Ads for eCommerce
-
MARKETING6 days ago
Elevating Women in SEO for a More Inclusive Industry
You must be logged in to post a comment Login