Facebook moves to target misinformation before election

By ZEN SOO AP Technology Writer

With just two months until the U.S. election, Facebook says it is taking additional steps to encourage voting, minimize misinformation and reduce the likelihood of post-election "civil unrest."

The company says it will restrict new political ads in the week before the election and remove posts that convey misinformation about COVID-19 and voting.

It will also attach links to official results to posts from candidates and campaigns declaring a premature victory.

Facebook and other social media companies are being scrutinized over how they handle misinformation, given problems with candidates like President Donald Trump posting false information and Russia's interference in the 2016 White House elections.