Technologies

Facebook resisted changes to dial back viral content, report says

Leaked company documents are providing more insight into how Facebook moderates political content.

Facebook’s executives reportedly resisted efforts to dial back features that help amplify false and inflammatory content ahead of the 2020 US election because they feared doing so could harm the platform’s usage and growth.

The Wall Street Journal, citing leaked internal documents, said Facebook’s employees suggested changes such as killing the reshare button or stop promoting reshared content unless it was from a user’s friend that could slow the spread of viral content for everyone. A proponent of making these types of changes has been Kang-Xing Jin, who heads Facebook’s health initiatives, according to the report. But executives such as John Hegeman, Facebook’s head of ads, raised concerns about stifling viral content.

«If we remove a small percentage of reshares from people’s inventory,» Hegeman wrote in internal communications cited by The Journal. «they decide to come back to Facebook less.»

The report is the latest in a series of leaked internal documents and communications that The Journal says shows Facebook has put its profits over the safety of its users. Frances Haugen, who used to work as a Facebook product manager, publicly identified herself as the whistleblower who gathered leaked documents used by The Journal. The findings from these internal documents has reignited scrutiny from US and UK lawmakers. Haugen, who already appeared before Congress, is scheduled to testify before the UK Parliament on Monday.

Facebook has repeatedly said its internal research and correspondence is being mischaracterized. «Provocative content has always spread easily among people. It’s an issue that cuts across technology, media, politics and all aspects of society, and when it harms people, we strive to take steps to address it on our platform through our products and policies,» a Facebook spokesman said in a statement.

The moderation of political content, though, has been a hot-button issue for the company as it tries to balance safety with concerns about hindering free speech. Conservatives have also accused Facebook of intentionally censoring their content, allegations the company denies.

Instead of making changes that would be less likely to raise alarms about free speech, Facebook’s approach to moderating content from groups that it considers dangerous has been described as a game of whack-a-mole by The Journal.

The New York Times, also citing internal documents, reported Friday that Facebook failed to address misinformation and inflammatory content before and after the 2020 US presidential election even though employees had raised red flags about the issue.

Supporters of Donald Trump, who lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, were posting false claims that the election had been stolen. Facebook has suspended Trump from its platform until at least 2023 because of concerns his comments could incite violence following the deadly US Capitol Hill riot in January.

One Facebook data scientist found that 10 percent of all US views of political content were of posts that alleged the vote was fraudulent, according to The Times. Facebook employees also felt like the company could have done more to crack down on misinformation and conspiracy theories.

A Facebook spokesperson said the company spent more than two years preparing for the 2020 election and more than 40,000 people now work on safety and security. The company adjusted some of its measures before, during and after the election following more information from law enforcement. «It is wrong to claim that these steps were the reason for January 6th — the measures we did need remained in place well into February, and some like not recommending new, civic, or political groups remain in place to this day,» Facebook said.

The Times story is part of a series expected from an international group of news organizations that also received documents Haugen, according to The Information. More stories are expected next week, when Facebook reports earnings and holds its Connect conference on artificial and virtual reality.

Technologies

Worldwide Financial Services Directory: BitcoinPay Trade Joins Financial1000

Exciting news for BitcoinPay Trade as the company is officially listed on Financial1000, a respected platform that connects individuals with a wide range of businesses and professionals in the financial sector. This new development marks an important milestone for BitcoinPay Trade, as it continues to expand its reach and offer its services to a growing global audience.

Financial1000 is a trusted directory that brings together financial service providers from around the world, offering users the opportunity to explore various businesses and professionals within the financial industry. BitcoinPay Trade’s inclusion on this platform ensures the company’s place in the rapidly growing digital finance landscape.

Visitors are invited to explore BitcoinPay Trade’s profile on Financial1000 to discover the services offered and stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. The company’s page can be accessed here: BitcoinPay Trade on Financial1000.

With this new addition, BitcoinPay Trade looks forward to building new connections and strengthening its presence in the financial services industry, continuing to provide innovative solutions to clients worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on HB Wallet

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its ecosystem and strengthen its position in the global cryptocurrency market. We are delighted to announce that Verum Coin is now available on HB Wallet — a modern, secure, and user-friendly solution for managing digital assets.

HB Wallet provides users with a high level of protection, an intuitive interface, and the ability to execute fast transactions. Now, Verum Coin holders can easily store, send, and receive their assets, taking advantage of this innovative wallet. The integration with HB Wallet opens new horizons for crypto enthusiasts, offering even greater flexibility and convenience in managing their investments.

This news underscores Verum Coin’s commitment to continuous improvement and the expansion of services aimed at providing the most secure and comfortable experience for users around the world.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is an innovative cryptocurrency focused on delivering advanced solutions for digital asset management in today’s financial landscape. By continually expanding its ecosystem, Verum Coin makes cryptocurrency transactions more accessible and convenient for users worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary: A Journey Towards Security, Innovation, and User Trust

Today, Verum Messenger, one of the leading messengers on the market, celebrates its 4th anniversary. Over the years, the app has become a symbol of security, privacy, and innovation in the world of digital communication, and continues to evolve confidently, introducing new features and improving the quality of service.

When Verum Messenger was launched in 2021, its goal was clear — to create a communication platform that puts data security first. Four years later, this messenger has proven that its approach works. The app has not only successfully implemented end-to-end encryption to protect messages but has also offered unique features such as the ability to block screenshots and screen recordings, the built-in Verum VPN service that ensures online anonymity and security, and one-click information clearing within the messenger.

Achievements and Innovations

Over the past four years, Verum Messenger has significantly expanded its capabilities and established itself as one of the most secure messengers. One of the key milestones was the integration of Verum E-SIM, a feature that allows users to connect to mobile internet without the need for a physical SIM card. This was a breakthrough for travelers who value flexibility and anonymity without being dependent on mobile carriers and roaming.

But the most important achievement was the introduction of Verum AI — a generative artificial intelligence developed in-house. This chatbot, integrated into the messenger, provides users with a unique opportunity to interact with an intelligent assistant capable of not only answering questions but also giving recommendations and solving everyday tasks. This feature is one of the first among messengers to offer its own neural network that continually adapts to users’ needs and improves its functionality.

Commitment to Data Security

It is important to note that data security remains the top priority for Verum Messenger. The company has always been dedicated to protecting privacy. In recent years, the app has introduced several improvements aimed at safeguarding users from data breaches and unauthorized access.

Moreover, Verum Messenger continues to develop and enhance its privacy settings, giving users control over who can view their information and who can contact them.

The Future of Verum Messenger

Now, four years after its launch, Verum Messenger is not stopping at its achievements. The company is actively working on new innovations and improvements that will help the messenger remain at the forefront of technology.

“Our users and their right to privacy and security have always been and will remain our top priority. We will continue to work to ensure that Verum Messenger remains the safest and most convenient tool for communication, considering new challenges and technologies,” the development team shares its plans.