Google to expand misinformation ‘prebunking’ in Europe

Google will launch a new campaign in Germany to help people there become more resistant to the corrosive effects of online disinformation, following the success of a similar effort in Eastern Europe.

The tech giant will broadcast a series of commercials exposing the methods used by many charlatans. In Germany, the videos will serve as commercials on social media and video sharing sites including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. There will soon be an Indian version of the advertising.

The term “prebunking” refers to the practice of preparing audiences to recognize and reject bogus claims before they are actually encountered. Researchers and IT firms are increasingly backing the technique.

Beth Goldberg, who oversees R&D at Jigsaw, Google’s incubator that investigates new social problems, has remarked, “There’s a big market for answers.” It’s really innovative to use advertisements as a means of pushing back against a misinformation strategy. What’s more, we’re thrilled with the outcomes.

Although conspiracy theories and other unfounded beliefs are nothing new, the internet has amplified their influence due to its speed and accessibility. Misleading information, amplified by algorithms, may discourage vaccinations, disseminate totalitarian propaganda, sow seeds of doubt in democratic institutions, and even incite bloodshed.