Since April, Facebook has announced a series of changes to both Facebook and Instagram.
Some of the most significant changes focus on Facebook Groups and interactions among members. The changes stem from complaints about fake news and misinformation disseminated to Facebook users through Groups and other interactions on the platform.
One of the ways Facebook is committing to helping Group Admins and Moderators ensure posts and comments comply with Community Standards is through the Page Quality tab. This tab shows any content that was removed specifically because it violated Community Standards. Admins and Moderators will also see a list of posts and/or comments that Facebook’s third-party fact-checkers deem:
False – this refers to content that is factually inaccurate.
Mixture – this refers to content that provides both accurate and inaccurate information, along with claims that are misleading.
False Headline – this refers to shared content that is true, but the headline has been found to be factually inaccurate.
True – the content provides wholly accurate information.
Not eligible – the information contained in the post cannot be verified, or may be the writer’s opinion.
Satire – this information is generally understood to be written with irony or humor, in mind.
Opinion – the content is considered wholly option, and not based in fact.
Not checked – this content has not yet been rated by Facebook’s fact-checkers.
In addition to relying on third-party fact-checkers, Facebook is also placing more responsibility on the shoulders of Group Admins and Moderators.
Facebook’s algorithms now consider the posts approved by Admins and Moderators. If approved posts consistently violate Facebook’s Community Standards, the Group may be shut down. This content can include information that is altogether false or misleading.
According to Facebook:
“Starting in the coming weeks, when reviewing a group to decide whether or not to take it down, we will look at admin and moderator content violations in that group, including member posts they have approved, as a stronger signal that the group violates our standards.”
Facebook is taking steps to protect users and safeguard the integrity of information shared on its platforms.
Here’s what you can do to safeguard your Group in the coming weeks as Facebook rolls out these new requirements:
Action Steps
- Create detailed Rules for your Group so members are informed about what type of content is allowed in comments and posts.
- Commit to being active and engaged in your Group to set the tone for all interactions between members.
- Carefully review Facebook’s Community Standards to ensure all content in your group complies.