NewsBreak, a popular news app in the US, is under fire for its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake news stories, create fictitious bylines, and lift content from competitors. Moreover, the app has roots in China, raising concerns about potential censorship and influence from Beijing. This alarming combination of misinformation and Chinese ties has regulators and users alike questioning NewsBreak's credibility and integrity.
NewsBreak, a news app boasting over 50 million monthly users, has become a hotbed for misinformation, igniting concerns among readers, government officials, and media watchdogs. A recent Reuters investigation uncovered a series of disturbing incidents where NewsBreak employed AI tools to generate fictitious news articles that never occurred, causing confusion and anxiety within local communities.
One such incident, published on Christmas Eve 2022, falsely reported a shooting in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The fabricated story spread like wildfire, prompting the local police department to issue a statement debunking the article and condemning its publication as "entirely false."
NewsBreak's misinformation spree doesn't end there. The company has also been accused of creating 10 stories from local news sites under fictitious bylines, lifting content from competitors, and using automated systems to access paid content behind publisher paywalls. These actions have not only undermined the trust of readers but have also disrupted local news ecosystems, harming community programs and charities.
NewsBreak's use of AI tools has had a profound impact on local communities across the US. Since 2021, at least 40 instances of erroneous stories have been attributed to the app's automated content, leading to incorrect information about food distributions, charity events, and other community matters.
In Colorado, the Food to Power food bank was forced to turn people away after NewsBreak incorrectly reported its food distribution times, causing unnecessary confusion and inconvenience. Similarly, Harvest912, a charity in Pennsylvania, faced similar issues due to inaccurate information published by the app.
While NewsBreak presents itself as a U.S.-based and U.S.-invested startup, its origins in China have raised eyebrows. The company's CEO, Jeff Zheng, is also the founder of the Chinese news aggregation app Yidian, and NewsBreak shares a patent with Yidian for an "Interest Engine" algorithm.
NewsBreak's primary backer, Beijing-based IDG Capital, is on a list of Chinese companies accused by the Pentagon of working with the Chinese military. While there is no evidence that NewsBreak has censored or produced content favorable to the Chinese government, its China connection has heightened scrutiny and concerns about potential influence.
The proliferation of misinformation in the digital age requires vigilance and caution. To protect yourself from falling prey to false and misleading content, consider the following steps:
1. Verify Sources: Check the credibility of the source before sharing or believing information. Look for news from reputable organizations with a track record of accuracy and accountability.
2. Check the Author: Investigate the author of the content and ensure their credibility and expertise. Be wary of articles without author bylines.
3. Use Fact-Checking Tools: Utilize fact-checking websites and tools to verify claims and ensure the accuracy of information before sharing it.
4. Be Skeptical of Social Media: Take information on social media with a grain of salt. Verify the information from reliable sources before believing or sharing it. Be particularly cautious of viral content and consider the potential biases of those sharing it.
NewsBreak's involvement in the spread of misinformation is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by AI-generated content and the importance of verifying sources before sharing information. The app's China connections and alleged links to the Chinese military further complicate matters, raising concerns about potential censorship and influence. As we navigate the digital age, it is essential to remain vigilant against misinformation and support platforms that prioritize accuracy and integrity in their content delivery.
