Google And YouTube Disbursed Rp204 BILLION In Funds To Fight The Spread Of Fake News

JAKARTA - Google and YouTube are again trying to fight the spread of fake news by disbursing US$13.2 million equivalent to Rp204 billion to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

The grant will fund the formation of a Global Fact Check Fund to support a network of 135 fact-checking organizations, operating from 65 countries in more than 80 languages.

"We continue to invest in our products, programs and partnerships to help counter misinformation. Starting next year, YouTube will be organizing a series of trainings for fact-checking organizations interested in learning more about platforms and best practices for video content strategies and interactions," Google said in a statement. a statement.

Grants will be used to improve existing operations and launch new initiatives to increase information and reduce misinformation. The funds are the tech giant's biggest grant in the field, and are scheduled to open in early 2023.

Since 2018, Google News' initiative has invested nearly US$75 million equivalent to Rp1.1 trillion in various projects and partnerships with the aim of strengthening media literacy and fighting fake news.

One of them launched fact-checking tools and continues to test the latest on various services. The tool is used in Google Search, News, Image.

A panel to provide more context also appeared on YouTube in six countries, with a broader launch plan soon. There is also a Fact Check Explorer utility, which anyone can verify claims made about a topic or someone.

Panel Breaking News will also appear in YouTube search results if it is relevant, displaying content that is developing from well-known media.

If the topic that the user searches for does not have extensive results, Google Search will also highlight it to the user via notification. Meanwhile, the About this result button can be used on Google Search before the user decides to explore the search results.

"Google and YouTube remain dedicated to continuing to do our part to help you find what you are looking for and give you the context you need to make the right decisions about what you see online. We are committed to continuing to support journalists and fact-checking organizations on the front lines of the war against misinformation," Google said.