This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Google Quietly Ends Fact-Checking Snippets in Search
Google has discontinued its ClaimReview fact-checking snippets from Search, ending a decade-long initiative that helped users access debunked claims and reliable fact-checks directly in search results. Despite the tool reaching over 120 million EU citizens in early 2024, the tech giant claims the feature was underused and provided “no significant additional value.” Google has not released supporting data for this decision. Independent data from the Reuters Institute, however, reveals significant global demand for fact-checking in search, particularly in the U.S., Europe, and certain regions of the Global South. Critics, including fact-checkers, warn that replacing these tools with AI Overviews risks amplifying misinformation. Read More (Nieman Lab Rating)
Trump Drops Lawsuit Against Des Moines Register Over Pre-Election Poll
President Donald Trump has withdrawn his lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and veteran pollster Ann Selzer over a 2024 poll that inaccurately predicted Kamala Harris leading in Iowa. Trump, who later won the state by over 13 points, had accused Selzer of undermining trust during a critical period. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression defended Selzer pro bono, asserting that her work was protected political speech. The lawsuit’s dismissal comes amid Trump’s ongoing legal battles with media outlets, including a recent $15 million defamation settlement with ABC News. Read More (Washington Examiner Rating)
Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Meta in AI Copyright Case
A U.S. federal judge ruled that Meta did not violate copyright law by using published books to train its AI models, determining the use was “transformative” under fair use doctrine. The lawsuit, brought by authors including Sarah Silverman, claimed Meta reproduced copyrighted material without consent. The court concluded that the AI’s function differed from the purpose of the original works and that no meaningful evidence was presented regarding market harm. While a victory for Meta, the ruling leaves room for future challenges where market impact is clearly demonstrated. Read More (Social Media Today Rating)
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