We live in a world where misinformation can spread quickly, and where bots and targeted posts can be used to push false stories. The harm is greater when large parts of society now obtain their news solely from social media and chat groups, and when algorithms push “stories for you” to specific user groups entrenching beliefs, and polarising positions. This is the same no matter which side of a debate you are on.
Meta says it has programmes in place to spot misinformation, and it will rely on its own community to moderate content, but the potential for misuse is huge, and the need to guard against misinformation is greater than ever. If we are being generous perhaps Zuckerberg felt like King Canute, unable to stem the tide of misinformation flooding the beach.
This latest development highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to deal with misinformation on social media. This can include calling out false claims, enforcing social media terms of use, which prevents the posting of harmful and unlawful content, or taking action through the courts.
All of this is turbo charged by AI which harnesses its data from the net, so misinformation can not be left unchecked. Apple has faced calls to withdraw its AI feature that has been pushing out inaccurate summaries of BBC content to its latest AI enabled iPhones.
There is of course an old fashioned technology that is fact checked, and that is held accountable through editorial and legal processes. It is found with traditional newspapers and broadcasters. If we can respect proper journalism with accuracy at its core it will benefit us all.
John is one of the leading lawyers in all aspects of media and information law and is actively involved at the forefront of this field.
John’s work is international and he advises clients all over the world including in the UK, US and the Middle East. He acts for A-list clients in the entertainment industry, music and sport. He also represents UHNW clients and corporate clients.
He has represented a host of well-known clients including the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Steve Coogan, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. John has developed Personal Protection Principles which are used to protect clients' reputations, their family and their security.
John is a sought after speaker on reputation protection and personal protection rights both in the UK, and internationally including in the US, Middle East and Australia. John is recognised as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ in Chambers UK, The Legal 500, Chambers High Net Worth and Spear's Magazine and has been named ‘Reputation Protection Lawyer of the Year’ by Spear's.