Experts issue warning as Facebook misinformation quadruples ahead of crucial Makerfield by-election (opens original article in a new tab)

Misinformation in local Facebook groups has quadrupled before the Makerfield by-election, with AI fakes and false claims targeting Andy Burnham, prompting calls for increased social media moderation.

• Misinformation in local Facebook groups quadrupled ahead of the Makerfield by-election.
• AI-generated images and false claims about Andy Burnham were prevalent in the misinformation.
• Experts warn that the decline of local news outlets increases social media's role in spreading fake news.