Reuters announced today that it has launched fact-checking initiatives on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in Brazil ahead of the 2022 election. Reuters factcheckers will now review content from Facebook in Brazilian Portuguese, flagging false or misleading content to Meta and publishing explanatory fact-checking articles on Reuters.com. Reuters has also launched a WhatsApp channel in Brazil that will allow users to submit content for verification.
Social media platforms are widely used as news sources in Brazil. Findings from the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2022 showed that almost two-thirds of Brazilians (64%) are now regularly getting their news from social networks. The launch of Reuters fact-checking in Brazil will help to stop the spread of misinformation and disinformation at a time when access to accurate information is vital, particularly in the run up to the Brazilian elections taking place in October.
"The spread of misinformation is a critical issue around the world, especially in the context of elections. Reuters is committed to providing fact-based, unbiased news and combatting misinformation is part of that mission. Expanding our partnership with Meta in Brazil allows us to deliver on the crucial need for verified and accurate information to help people make smart decisions during this election," Christina Anagnostopoulos, Fact-Checking Editor, Reuters.
"The addition of Reuters Fact Check to our third-party fact-checking program in Brazil strengthens our commitment to fighting misinformation, and it comes at an important moment – a few months ahead of the election, when we know it's even more important to tackle misinformation and protect the integrity of the democratic process," says Dulce Ramos, manager of Meta's Strategic Partnerships with News Outlets in Latin America.
Reuters has long been committed to fighting the rise in inauthentic content and involved in various initiatives to restore trust in online content. Reuters first launched its fact-checking initiative in 2020 and now partners with major technology platforms on initiatives to combat misinformation, including fact-checking of social media content in countries in 3 continents and in 5 languages. The Reuters Digital Journalism Course, produced in partnership with the Meta Journalism Project, provides free online training for journalists to improve their digital newsgathering, verification, and publishing skills, as well as access to wellness and resilience resources. Reuters also developed a course on identifying and tackling manipulated media, sponsored by the Meta Journalism Project. And Reuters recently joined the Content Authenticity Initiative to help combat misinformation and disinformation.
For more information on Reuters Fact Check, visit https://www.reuters.com/fact-check.
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