Report: Facebook Failed Election Disinformation Test in Brazil

    Image copyright: AFP [via Al Jazeera]

    The Facts

    • According to the human rights group Global Witness, Facebook has failed to filter out online advertisements that included obviously false messages about Brazil's upcoming Oct. election.

    • Global Witness submitted ten fraudulent ads that included misinformation such as promoting the wrong election date, incorrect voting methods, and questioning the integrity of the election - including the country's electronic voting system.


    The Spin

    Left narrative

    Facebook has a lot of work to do before the October election. Disinformation played a role in the last election, and the tech giant needs to prioritize strengthening safeguards so Jair Bolsonaro can't mislead Brazilians into thinking the system is rigged against him.

    Right narrative

    Left-wingers remain upset that Bolsonaro has been able to use social media to garner support. That's why they're still using the so-called "misinformation" card to demand that Facebook restrain free speech. The social media giant has already admitted to using left-leaning fact-checking in its crusade against misinformation.


    Metaculus Prediction


    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

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