The fact-checking initiative of Facebook is one big positive step in a bid to stop the proliferation of fake and misleading information.
It is a known fact that majority of Filipinos have now relied on their Facebook feeds as their main source of news. The fact-checking initiative would pave the way for the social media platform to become a more reliable source of news and to ensure that the information being circulated are devoid of any falsity.
While some may argue that the filtering of their social media posts is a curtailment of their freedom of expression, Democracy Watch Philippines believes that the stringent filtering of information posted online, especially on Facebook, will ultimately contribute to the formation of an informed citizenry, a vital component of any strong and vibrant democracy.
Others may also be skeptical as to the independence of the selected media outfits tasked to fact-check, but information are only tested for truth and correctness. The best evidence remain to be the VERACITY of ALL shared information, lest they be tagged as peddling fake, malicious, or misleading information.
This is a wakeup call to all Filipino netizens to be responsible readers and contributors to the social media platforms.
While social media gives us the power to freely express our thoughts and sentiments with a touch of a button, we should all remember that the exercise of such power comes with great accountability.