Facebook algorithm funneled readers to Covid misinformation, study finds
A study by campaign group Avaaz found that Facebook's algorithm amplified health misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic, with sites spreading false claims receiving 460 million views in April 2020. The misinformation included dangerous falsehoods, such as that pure alcohol could kill the virus, which was linked to 800 deaths. Facebook had promised to crack down on misinformation but the study found that 84% of fact-checked misinformation slipped through without warning labels. Facebook responded that it had applied warning labels to 98 million pieces of Covid-19 misinformation and directed users to credible health information.
- Date it happened
- 2020-04-01
- Organisation involved
- Product, system or model
- Facebook algorithm
This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.