Google pledges $300 million towards fighting fake news
In a bid to tackle the issue of fake news, Google has launched a project called the Google News Initiative (GNI). The project has three main objectives of boosting quality journalism, evolving business models in line with sustainable growth, and helping news organizations implement technological innovation. Google will invest $300 million towards GNI over the next three years.
Google's been thinking about fake news for some time now
Over the past few months, Google has taken active steps to combat fake news like teaming up with fact-checking networks, showing more publisher info, and introducing trust icons on its platform. The company is also tweaking its systems to surface news from more authoritative sources.
Google to combat misinformation during breaking news moments, elections
For strengthening quality journalism, Google has created a Disinfo Lab which will combat instances of misinformation during breaking news moments and elections. For this, the tech giant is working alongside Harvard University's First Draft Project. Further, to boost digital literacy of young consumers, Google is working on an initiative called MediaWise in partnership with the Poynter Institute, Stanford University, and the Local Media Association.
Google to help publishers understand user behavior through machine learning
A third service Google is rolling out is called Subscribe with Google. It aims at streamlining and simplifying the process of subscribing to media publishers. It will also help publishers gain a deeper understanding of their audiences through machine learning (ML). Lastly, Google has launched Outline, an open-source tool, to help news organizations set up their own VPNs.
News industry is changing drastically: Google
"It's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish what's true (and not true) online. Business models for journalism continue to change drastically. The rapid evolution of technology is challenging all institutions, including the news industry, to keep pace," Google said.
