Facebook limits the spread of quack cancer treatments but leaves wellness alone

Medically unverified health claims, such as the life-saving abilities of turmeric, alkaline water, or a nightshade-free diet, flourish on Facebook and YouTube. That's a problem, especially when it leads people to spurn medical treatment in favor of the alternative remedies touted on social media — to the detriment of their health, and often their finances.

Facebook announced Tuesday that it had begun combatting the spread of "sensational health claims" on the platform in June. Apparently, the announcement came in response to inquiries from the Wall Street Journal, regarding the paper's investigation (also published Tuesday), about how "bogus cancer treatment claims" proliferate on Facebook and YouTube.  Read more...