Experts: Podcasts remain a source of misinformation

Experts: Podcasts remain a source of misinformation

Various Apple Podcasts are seen on an iPhone, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Major social platforms have been cracking down on the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. But Apple and Google, among others, have left open a major loophole: Podcasts. (AP Photo/Tali Arbel)

UNDATED (AP) — Major social platforms have made an effort to crack down on the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories. But there is still a major outlet for such material: podcasts. While sites like Facebook and Twitter have tried to stifle such debunked information, it still abounds on podcasts. Casts available on Apple and Google give listeners nearly unfettered access to talk about QAnon and claims that the presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. A 2018 report from the Anti-Defamation League says podcasting plays an “outsized role” in spreading white supremacy theory, especially since podcasters can share their views audibly — and for hours at a time.

Photo: Various Apple Podcasts are seen on an iPhone, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.(AP Photo/Tali Arbel)