NewsBreak and Fake News Controversy
NewsBreak, a popular news app in the U.S., has faced criticism for publishing fake news stories generated by AI and its ties to China. The app has been accused of spreading misinformation and violating data privacy.
Key Points
- NewsBreak published a false story about a shooting in Bridgeton, NJ, attributed to AI
- Ties to China through founder and past ownership by a Chinese company
- Use of China-based engineers raises concerns about data privacy
Pros
- Provides news to over 50 million monthly users
- Utilizes AI tools to fill the void left by struggling local news outlets
Cons
- Published at least 40 fake news stories since 2021
- Faced copyright infringement lawsuits for republishing content without permission
- Criticism for creating stories under fictitious bylines