Smart Energy GB welcomes Facebook's action to tackle fake news

Responding to Facebook's action to tackle fake news following the posting of a misleading video on smart meters, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:

"Smart Energy GB welcomes the news today from Facebook to take action on the phenomenon of misleading videos on its platform in the UK, but for this to work effectively, Facebook must guarantee that the speed of action will match the speed with which such misleading claims about safety, appeared on Facebook and went viral.

"Despite the claims made in this video being clearly contradicted by a range of published safety evidence and independent research, including by Public Health England, Facebook provided an environment, in which, over 72 hours, the video attracted more than 4 million views.

"This is clearly unacceptable and moving forward, the challenge for Facebook is whether their new system will be nimble enough to swiftly fact-check misleading content and protect their users."

-ENDS-

Smart Energy GB Media Office:
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Press line: 0203 019 1000