TOKYO: The Japanese unit of Meta Platforms Inc., the operator of Facebook and Instagram, said Monday that it has launched a system for third-party checks on the accuracy of social media posts.

Meta has partnered with Tokyo-based Litmus, a member of an international fact-checking organization, to provide the system.

In the system, Litmus assesses information as false, partially false or other after checking it with related people and conducting data research. Based on the assessment, Meta will take action, such as restricting the release of the information.

The fact-checking system does not cover the opinions of individuals or statements by politicians.

Meta has already implemented similar systems in the United States and elsewhere.

The spread of disinformation and misinformation on social media has become a social issue. In January, fake rescue requests were posted in the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake in central Japan. Fake images were also posted when Typhoon Shanshan hit Japan in recent days.

In July, an expert panel urged Japan’s communications ministry to develop a system to encourage social media operators to strengthen countermeasures.

JIJI Press