Adblock Plus Identify Fake News using Blockchain Technology
Eyeo GmbH, creators of Adblock Plus are launching TrustedNews, a browser extension that will identify fake news using blockchain technology.
Partnering with MetaCert, the largest anti-fraud and URL registry, the browser ‘add-on’ marks for trustworthiness and labels media for fake news.
Once added, the browser extension displays a small window providing a brief overview of the news source, together with labels for the content viewed, such as “trustworthy”, “clickbait”, or even nuances such as political leanings and bias.
TrustedNews ratings are based on data compiled by sources including PolitiFact, Snopes, Wikipedia and Zimdars’ List.
By migrating the database to the Ethereum blockchain, MetaCert tokens will be issued to reward users feedback with the traceability that blockchain offers, deterring manipulation or spoiling of ratings.
Ben Williams, Eyeo director of communications explained that users can also dispute ratings, or provide feedback on certain classifications. Williams said:
“we’re going to use that feedback to make the product better.” adding “good feedback can be prized and rewarded among users, and people who are providing bad feedback won’t be.”
Mr. Williams stressed that TrustedNews, currently in testing beta mode, will not hold a “whitelist” of websites able to bypass ratings.
Should the project see adoption and go live, future versions could include “fine-grained detail,” such as an option to report bias, including the political spectrum they fall into.
TrustedNews is currently in beta stage and is available only for Chrome.
Giants such as Google and Facebook, are also developing tools to combat fake news.
