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Facebook launches new ‘fake news’ tool that TOTALLY changes the app

FACEBOOK is rolling out new features to counter misinformation and enhance user safety.

The social media giant on Wednesday said that it would launch new features aimed at bettering the user experience of Group admins, according to a new press release.

Facebook is rolling out a slew of new features for Group admins

MetaOne of Facebook’s new features is aimed at reducing the spread of false information[/caption]

The new features are meant to identify and reduce the spread of false information, lessen admin workload, and help users to manage and grow their groups.

One of the most notable tools rolling out this week is the ability through Admin Assist to automatically reject incoming posts that contain misinformation.

“Incoming posts that contain content rated by third-party fact-checkers as false are declined before they are seen in the group, which helps reduce the visibility of misinformation,”  Maria Smith, VP of Communities, Facebook App, said.

A second important feature includes an improvement of the “mute” functionality, which has evolved to “suspend,” so admins and moderators can temporarily prohibit group members from engaging within the forum – this includes posting, commenting, reacting, participating in group chats, and creating or entering a Room in the group.

“Communities can only thrive as places to connect when they are safe. These new tools will help admins prevent the spread of misinformation and manage interactions in their group,” Smith said.

Another new tool within Admin Assist helps admins automatically decline or approve group members based on specific criteria and even group questionnaires.

As a way to help admins better manage their groups, there are also new updates to Admin Home, including an overview page on desktop for a quicker reviewal process, and a more organized layout.

On mobile, users can find a new insights summary that displays and assesses the group’s growth and engagement.


Facebook further revealed new features for admins “who want to grow their communities by reaching the relevant people.” 

One of these tools includes new QR codes to streamline the process of sharing their group’s About page.

Admins can access the QR codes from the Share dropdown menu, where they can either download or copy and paste them.

A second feature includes giving admins the ability to send group invites to people via email.