Facebook offers new tools for group admins to shield their members from ‘Fake News' and grow

Facebook is offering “Admin Assist”, a set of features designed to help Group Admins to protect their audiences from the incessant barrage of “Fake News” or the intentional spread of misinformation and propaganda. The new set of tools allow admins to automatically block posts that have been fact-checked, mute or suspend group members, approve or decline new member requests, and so on.

Group admins have an obligation to ensure their Facebook groups are safe and healthy by routinely battling misinformation. To help group admins fight false information and to make it easier for them to manage and grow their groups with relevant audiences, the social media giant is offering Admin Assist.

Facebook has been testing Admin Assist and the new and improved Admin Home since June 2021. Now it is rolling out the new platform and tools to every group admin. Using Admin Assist, group admins can automatically decline incoming posts that have been proved to contain false information. Those posts that have rated by third-party fact-checkers as false can be automatically rejected. Needless to add, this feature would significantly restrict the visibility and reach of misinformation.

Group admins and moderators will now be able to mute and subsequently even suspend group members temporarily for violating guidelines. Moderators can restrict posting, commenting, reacting, participating in a group chat, and creating or entering a Room in a group. Admins managing a Facebook group can also automatically approve or decline member requests, based on specific criteria they set up.

The Admin Home page has also received multiple new functions. Admins now have access to an overview page on their desktop which highlights aspects that need their immediate attention. Facebook has also updated the layout to offer easy sorting and searching tasks. There is an insights summary on mobile to help admins understand the growth and engagement of their groups.

Group Admins will now receive QR codes for the pages they manage. These easy-to-scan QR codes could help increase the number of members as they will direct people to the group’s About page. Additionally, admins can send invites via email to urge people to join their groups.