Fake news is killing people's minds, says Apple boss Tim Cook
Fake news is killing people's minds, says Apple boss Tim
Cook
By Allister Heath 10 FEBRUARY 2017 • 10:00PM
Tim Cook, the boss of Apple, is calling for governments
to launch a public information campaign to fight the scourge of fake news,
which is “killing people’s minds”.
In an impassioned plea, Mr Cook, boss of the world’s
largest company, says that the epidemic of false reports “is a big problem in a
lot of the world” and necessitates a crackdown by the authorities and
technology firms.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, he calls
for a campaign similar to those that changed attitudes on the environment to
educate the public on the threat posed by fabricated online stories.
Made-up news reports trying to promote a particular
agenda gained huge traction on social media in the US during the election.
“It has to be ingrained in the schools, it has to be
ingrained in the public,” said Mr Cook. “There has to be a massive campaign. We
have to think through every demographic.
"We need the modern version of a public-service
announcement campaign. It can be done quickly if there is a will.”
The rise of fake news was being driven by unscrupulous
firms determined to attract online readers at any cost, he said.
“We are going through this period of time right here
where unfortunately some of the people that are winning are the people that
spend their time trying to get the most clicks, not tell the most truth,” he
said. “It’s killing people’s minds in a way.”
Tech firms, which have been criticised for doing too
little, also need to up their game, he said.
“All of us technology companies need to create some tools
that help diminish the volume of fake news.
"We must try to squeeze this without stepping on
freedom of speech and of the press, but we must also help the reader. Too many
of us are just in the complain category right now and haven’t figured out what
to do.”
He said that this crackdown would help providers of
quality journalism and help drive out clickbait. “The outcome of that is that
truthful, reliable, non-sensational, deep news outlets will win,” Mr Cook said.
“The [rise of fake news] is a short-term thing - I don’t
believe that people want that at the end of the day.”
A new approach was required in schools, he said. “It’s
almost as if a new course is required for the modern kid, for the digital kid.”
But he is optimistic. “In some ways kids will be the
easiest to educate. At least before a certain age, they are very much in listen
and understand [mode], and they then push their parents to act. We saw this
with environmental issues: kids learning at school and coming home and saying
why do you have this plastic bottle? Why are you throwing it away?”
In quotes | Tim Cook
Tim Cook has spoken on several topical issues during his
busy tour of Europe.
On Apple’s interest in building new offices in France
February 6, speaking to Le Figaro newspaper: “France has
always had a special place for Apple. This is the best place to discover and
chat with all musicians, graphic designers, designers or photographers who use
our products. There is such creative energy.”
On pay equality
February 7, in Berlin, Germany: “I think every company
should try to do it. It’s just not right and not fair that women still earn so
much less than men.”
On Trump’s travel ban
February 8, at the University of Glasgow: “If we stand
and say nothing it’s as if we’re agreeing, that we become a part of it. It’s
important to speak out.”
On Brexit
February 9, speaking at Downing Street: “We’re a big
believer in the UK – we think you’ll be just fine. Yes, there will be bumps in
the road along the way, but the UK’s going to be fine.”
On children being taught coding
February 9, at Woodberry Down Community Primary School in
Harringay: “We think coding should be required in every school because it’s as
important as any kind of second language.”
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