The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has revealed plans to assist fact-checkers globally to tackle misinformation on WhatsApp, the world’s largest messaging app, through grant support.
According to Poynter Institute’s IFCN, the support, in partnership with Meta, tagged “Spread the Facts Grant Program” will enable fact-checkers “to launch, innovate and scale fact-checking solutions” on a global level.
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“More than 2 billion people around the world rely on WhatsApp to connect with friends and family, stay updated on world events and share information,” said Ferdi Özsoy, programme manager at the IFCN.
“With support from WhatsApp, the Spread the Facts Grant Program will give verified fact-checking organizations resources to deescalate the harm of viral misinformation and improve the quality of public debate,” he added.
He further noted that all aspirants must be signatories to the IFCN’s code of principles, and must be able to prove how their fact-checking skill has contributed to tackling misinformation on WhatsApp or will contribute to tackling misinformation and peddling of fake news on WhatsApp.
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“Grantees will have the opportunity to share their work with the global fact-checking community in 2023 at Global Fact 10, the IFCN’s premier fact-checking summit that unites creators, consumers and champions of fact-based reporting from more than 60 different countries,” he said.