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Facebook pays for fake news, because it can’t understand the language

Vhembe's fake news economy: how Facebook pays for deception

By Thembi Siaga, Anton van Zyl • 4 December 2025
Facebook pays for fake news, because it can’t understand the language

In regions like Vhembe, Facebook's algorithms struggle with local languages, inadvertently creating a lucrative environment for "Facebook journalists" to spread misinformation and clickbait. These content creators are financially rewarded by the platform for viral posts, regardless of accuracy, with some even using AI to generate fake news.

Facebook is actively promoting clickbait and the spread of fake news - and rewarding the people who create it.

This is especially true in regions such as the Vhembe District, where the tech giant's algorithms battle to understand local languages. The result is that a new generation of content creators is having a field day posting mis- and disinformation and being paid for it, with little to no regard for the consequences of their actions.

During November this year, sever...

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