How would you combat fake news?

Fake news is definitely an issue in a world where modern communication systems can spread misinformation and disinformation around the world in minutes where it would've taken weeks or months a few decades ago.

On the other hand, I've also observed how the term "fake news" is used as a weapon against anything that goes against the mainstream narrative. What I wonder is who are the arbiters of truth?

Any kind of system that is set up to combat fake news can be corrupted into a system whose main objective is to maintain the status quo or push a narrative that may not be entirely beneficial for society.

The only real solution is to educate the public into checking sources and to crossreference with articles from proven sources. To infantilize society by telling people that they're not smart enough to suss out what's real or fake will have dire consequences for personal freedom and expression down the road.

While the goal of having an easy or automatic way to filtering out fake news and propaganda is a noble one, it can easily become a system where inconvenient truths are thrown out together with outright falsehoods.

Along with being aware of fake news, also beware of those who use the term "fake news" to sweep necessary truths out of public view.