Social media users seek identity verification to combat fake news’
A new report found that 60 per cent of social media users advocate for mandatory user identity verification to deter the spread of fake news by imposters and automated bots.
The survey conducted by Media.com, an online network providing source information, noted that 67 per cent were more likely to trust platforms that require proof of identity for verified users.
The report underscored a strong public preference for the identities of social media users to be verified as a way to curb misinformation, especially leading up to the 2024 election.
The Chief Executive Officer of Media.com, James Mawhinney, said that although some social media companies, such as X (formerly Twitter), offer a form of profile verification for users who pay for it, many people want a more stringent level of identity verification.
“We believe that one way to protect and empower our users in the age of misinformation is to disallow fake profiles,” he stated.
Social media users were advocating for various strategies to address misinformation risks, including universal fact-checking and mandatory user identity verification, the survey showed.
According to the report, users want stringent penalties for spreading falsehoods, stemming from public concerns regarding safety and credibility on social platforms, with a notable distrust towards content from unverified sources.
It indicated that about 76 per cent of users were hesitant to engage with such information, in alignment with those concerns.
Mawhinney added, “It’s not just about having a tick or badge next to your name; it’s about restoring public trust in information.”
The study found that misinformation was not only prevalent, with 40 per cent encountering it occasionally and 11 per cent frequently, but also significantly impacted user perception and behaviour.
It added that a substantial number also called for government regulation and legal responsibility for platforms hosting misleading content.
Media.com said it aimed to answer the public’s call by fostering a verified digital community, asserting that full profile verification is useful for maintaining integrity and trust in online communication.
It noted that it was committed to fostering integrity and accountability among its users through fast and simple identity checks aligned with KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYB (Know Your Business) verification standards.
