YOUTUBE is finally cracking down on fake news – starting with videos that claim the earth is flat.

The Google-owned web giant has told MPs that it is now trying to promote trusted sources and trying to stop the spread of shows made by cranks and hate-mongers.

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It said that it has changed the way its recommendation system works for videos that do not break laws or its rules, but are still misleading.

As a result, viewers are more likely to be prompted to “watch next” shows that are made by legitimate organisations rather than conspiracy theorists who still bizarrely believe the earth is flat.

In written evidence to the Home Affairs Committee, YouTube said: “We improved our recommendation system by elevating authoritative and quality content and minimising content that’s borderline. The impact and reach of these changes will grow over time.

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“Borderline videos include those close to our hate speech lines or videos that could misinform users in harmful ways—such as videos claiming the Earth is flat.”

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