Big Tech Has Destroyed Public Trust. Can We Fix It Before the Election?
Jun 6, 2024
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Steven Brill, founder of Newsguard, discusses Big Tech's moderation failures, the infiltration of 'pink slime' sites in news deserts, and the importance of regaining public trust for the 2024 election. Topics include deep fake technology, misinformation online, impact of hoax websites, loss of trust in figures like Dr. Fauci, and the rise of 'pink slime sites'. Brill emphasizes the need for journalistic integrity and accurate information during the U.S. Presidential Election.
Steven Brill emphasizes the importance of discerning reliable news sources amidst the proliferation of fake news websites.
Brill highlights the role of technology in amplifying misinformation, urging for regulations to combat harmful content.
Deep dives
Challenges of Online Misinformation
Stephen Brill discusses the impact of online misinformation, highlighting the proliferation of fake news websites and the challenges of discerning truth online. He emphasizes the difficulty in distinguishing reliable sources from deceptive ones, especially in the context of disinformation surrounding significant events like the Donald Trump trial.
The Role of Technology in Disseminating Misinformation
Brill delves into the role of technology, particularly social media platforms and programmatic advertising, in amplifying misinformation. He argues that algorithms promoting sensational content for increased engagement have contributed to the spread of false narratives and the erosion of trust in traditional news sources.
The Need for Addressing Online Disinformation
As the conversation delves into practical solutions, Brill suggests regulations like enforcing terms of service on social media platforms to combat harmful content. He advocates for accountability measures such as identifying users on online platforms to ensure transparency and reliability. Brill underscores the critical importance of fostering a shared truth and combating disinformation to uphold societal integrity and factual accuracy.
Parsing fact from fiction is a requisite skill for any journalist. But for Steven Brill—the founder of Newsguard, a website dedicated to countering misinformation by ranking the reliability of news sources—it’s his life. Fresh on the heels of his new book, The Death of Truth, Brill joins host Brian Stelter to discuss Big Tech’s catastrophic moderation failures, how “pink slime” sites have infiltrated the news deserts, and why regaining public trust in the “referees” of real information is paramount for the 2024 election.