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New app allows public to report fake news
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Crowdsourcing-based app Turn Back Hoax was designed to gather false information and hoaxes from the internet. (Turn Back Hoax/File)
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hose who have grown irritated over the fake news that is widespread on their social media accounts can consider reporting it to a crowdsourcing-based app called Turn Back Hoax that was designed to gather false information and hoaxes from the internet.
Established as an extension for the Google Chrome desktop browser, users simply need to log onto their accounts via Facebook before they can report content that they suspect is a hoax, reported kompas.com. There will be three categories for such reports: webpages, chain messages and pictures, including ones that have been circulated on Facebook. Users can also explain why they perceive the content to be fake and put ‘a hoax’ or ‘not a hoax’ flag on other content on the webpage.
(Read also: Editing, revoking messages may be possible on WhatsApp)
The results of the reports will be gathered on Turn Back Hoax’s website. Other registered users can also share their opinions in the comments section.
By collecting the false information, Turn Back Hoax aims to be a reference to verify information on the internet. The fake news database on the app is also intended to be an analyzer, such as by recognizing the patterns of false information and by identifying the attacked person or group and the media that was used.
“As a crowdsourcing-based app should, Turn Back Hoax relies on people’s participation to report every defamation and hoax,” said a statement from Turn Back Hoax.
A mobile app version of Turn Back Hoax may soon be launched for Android and iOS platforms. (wir/kes)
