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The term misinformation refers to false information that could be mistaken as truth. It can include honest mistakes, exaggerations, and misunderstandings of facts, as well as disinformation, which is misinformation spread intentionally to mislead or confuse. #APStyleChat (1/5)
Misinformation can be transmitted in any medium, including social media, websites, printed materials and broadcast. It includes photography or video and audio recordings that have been created, manipulated or selectively edited. #APStyleChat (2/5)
The term misinformation typically excludes opinions, as well as satire and parody. It does include hoaxes, propaganda and fabricated news stories. #APStyleChat (3/5)
New guidance: Use care and caution with terms such as disputed election and disputed victory. They require assessing whether the outcome is truly in doubt or unknown, based on reputable sources of information about accuracy and completeness of the vote count. #APStyleChat (1/3)
Don’t automatically use "disputed" when reporting on recounts, which are required by many states (or may be requested by candidates at no cost) in closely contested elections. #APStyleChat (2/3)
Don’t describe an election as disputed based on the claims of a candidate who disagrees with the outcome but is unable or unwilling to provide evidence of fraud or malfeasance. #APStyleChat (3/3)
Election returns are usually outdated as soon as they are published and should therefore be used sparingly in stories/scripts — especially shortly after polls close and the vote count is beginning. #APStyleChat (1/4)
Early returns often do not provide an accurate reflection of the ultimate outcome, especially in states that take days or weeks to count votes cast in advance and provisional ballots. #APStyleChat (2/4)
It is often better to characterize the state of the vote count, rather than report it directly. For example: As of Wednesday morning, Trump was ahead of Clinton by fewer than 20,000 votes in Michigan out of 4.7 million votes counted. #APStyleChat (3/4)
Systems that allow voters to cast ballots before the day of an election are broadly known as advance voting. Each state has its own procedures for advance voting, which may include voting by mail, voting absentee or voting in person before Election Day. #APStyleChat (1/6)
In the past, some states required absentee voters to provide proof that they are unable to cast a vote on Election Day. #APStyleChat (2/6)
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, however, many states are allowing anyone to apply for an absentee ballot. Some others plan to mail a ballot, or a form to request one, to every voter. State by state details can be found at: interactives.ap.org/advance-voting… #APStyleChat (3/6)
Think about what data is stored and where — especially if it’s in the cloud. #APStyleChat (1/5)
Many programs make automatic copies. How many copies of sensitive chat logs, photographs and private messages are floating around on your laptop? On your phone? Any copies in the cloud? You should know the answers if you need to protect sensitive material. #APStyleChat (2/5)
Ask about data stored in the cloud. Is it encrypted both in transit and at rest in the cloud? If not, consider switching to a provider that will protect data this way, or use a program that encrypts files and folders before they are saved to the cloud. #APStyleChat (3/5)
Different networks have different levels of security. A wired office connection is reasonably secure from eavesdropping. So is your workplace Wi-Fi — as long as you have to log into it with your employee credentials or a similar method. #APStyleChat (1/3)
Open Wi-Fi networks, however — such as those at coffee shops, hotels and airports — usually aren’t secure, which means that anyone in the area could be reading your communications and copying the passwords you enter into sites you visit. #APStyleChat (2/3)
If you’re ever in doubt, use VPN software, which creates a “virtual private network” — an encrypted tunnel to a safe computing environment such as your organization’s intranet. #APStyleChat (3/3)
Multifactor authentication is also highly recommended. Most people are familiar with two-factor authentication, in which you need to enter a code texted to your phone in addition to your password. But those texted codes can be intercepted. #APStyleChat (1/3)
Instead, consider apps from Google or Microsoft that can generate codes directly on your phone or turn the phone itself into the authenticator. #APStyleChat (2/3)
When reporting on highly sensitive subjects, it may also be worth adding a third factor in the form of a physical electronic key. Such devices can fit on a keychain and use USB or Bluetooth technology. #APStyleChat (3/3)
Let’s start with passwords. Many experts say the safest option is passwords made from random strings of letters, numbers and symbols — a different one for every account. #APStyleChat (1/4)
Such random passwords are almost impossible to remember, so give serious consideration to an online password manager. #APStyleChat (2/4)
You’ll still need a “master password” to access the password manager. One safe option is to choose a passphrase — a short, personally memorable and hard-to-guess phrase such as “myRabb1tquincy!AteG4rbageFries.” #APStyleChat (3/4)
We consulted with a diverse group of people internally and externally around the globe and considered a variety of commentary in making the decisions on capitalization. #APStyleChat (1/4)
We found deeply varying views among both white people and people of color, and a variety of arguments, about whether the term white should be capitalized or kept lowercase. #APStyleChat (2/4)
A key concern is that the capitalized term is used by white supremacists. Many worry that more widespread use of White could empower those groups or be seen as aligning with them. #APStyleChat (3/4)
A key point in our race-related coverage entry: Consider carefully when deciding whether to identify people by race. Often, it is an irrelevant factor and drawing unnecessary attention to someone’s race or ethnicity can be interpreted as bigotry. #APStyleChat (1/3)
There are, however, occasions when race is pertinent. That includes reporting on a demonstration, disturbance or other conflict involving race (including verbal conflicts), or issues like civil rights. #APStyleChat (2/3)
In other situations when race is an issue, use news judgment. Include racial or ethnic details only when they are clearly relevant and that relevance is explicit in the story. #APStyleChat (3/3)
The AP decision to continue lowercasing the term white in racial, ethnic and cultural senses was more complicated than last month’s decision to capitalize Black. #APStyleChat (1/5)
We heard many reasons to capitalize Black. Arguments include: People who are Black have strong historical and cultural commonalities (and differences, of course). In many places, that includes the shared experience of discrimination due solely to skin color. #APStyleChat (2/5)
We found, at this time, less support for capitalizing white and no clearly accepted argument as to why to do so. White people generally do not share similar history and culture, or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. #APStyleChat (3/5)
The terms American Indians and Native Americans are both acceptable in general references for those in the U.S. when referring to two or more people of different tribal affiliations. #APStyleChat (1/4)
For individuals, use the name of the tribe; if that information is not immediately available, try to obtain it. He is a Navajo commissioner. She is a member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. #APStyleChat (2/4)
Some tribes and tribal nations use member; others use citizen. If in doubt, use citizen. Avoid words such as wampum, warpath, powwow, teepee, brave, squaw, etc., which can be disparaging and offensive. #APStyleChat (3/4)
Do not use either Black or white as a singular noun. #APStyleChat (1/3)
For plurals, phrasing such as Black people, white people, Black teachers, white students is often preferable when clearly relevant. White officers account for 64% of the police force, Black officers 21% and Latino officers 15%. The gunman targeted Black churchgoers. (2/3)
The plural nouns Blacks and whites are generally acceptable when clearly relevant and needed for reasons of space or sentence construction. He helped integrate dance halls among Blacks, whites, Latinos and Asian Americans. #APStyleChat (3/3)
Capitalize the term Black as an adjective in a racial, ethnic or cultural sense: Black people, Black culture, Black literature, Black studies, Black colleges. #APStyleChat (1/4)
African American is also acceptable for those in the U.S. The terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Americans of Caribbean heritage, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American. #APStyleChat (2/4)
Follow an individual’s preference if known, and be specific when possible and relevant. Minneapolis has a large Somali American population because of refugee resettlement. The author is Senegalese American. #APStyleChat (3/4)
Last year, we added a new entry discussing use of the term “racist.” The next eight tweets contain some details. #APStyleChat (1/9)
Deciding whether a specific statement, action, policy, etc., should be termed racist often is not clear-cut. Such decisions should include discussion with colleagues and/or others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. #APStyleChat (2/9)
Begin by assessing the facts: Does the statement or action meet the definition of racism? That assessment need not involve examining the motivation of the person who spoke or acted, which is a separate issue. #APStyleChat (3/9)
The AP Stylebook has an entry called "race-related coverage." It includes style and guidance on terms including racist, racially charged, racially motivated, racially tinged. There’s also some introductory guidance, included in the next tweets. #APStyleChat (1/5)
Reporting and writing about issues involving race calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and an openness to discussions with others of diverse backgrounds about how to frame coverage or what language is most appropriate, accurate and fair. #APStyleChat (2/5)
Avoid broad generalizations and labels; race and ethnicity are one part of a person’s identity. #APStyleChat (3/5)
The term autonomous vehicles describes vehicles that can monitor the road and surroundings and drive for all or part of a trip without human supervision. They also can be called self-driving vehicles. #APStyleChat (1/4)
The term driverless should not be used unless there is no human backup driver. As of now, there are no autonomous vehicles for sale to the public, although many are being tested on public roads. #APStyleChat (2/4)
Some vehicles have driver-assist systems that can perform tasks such as changing lanes, driving at low speeds, or keeping a safe distance from vehicles ahead of them, but they still need human supervision. These should be referred to as partially automated. #APStyleChat (3/4)
The term smart devices refers to a category of electronic gadgets that typically connect to the internet and offer advanced features. #APStyleChat (1/3)
Many types of smart devices are sometimes referred to as Internet of Things, although that term should be avoided in stories for general readers. #APStyleChat (2/3)
In general, use two words except for smartphone and smartwatch. Many such devices are also referred to as connected, as in connected cars or connected TVs, though internet-connected is preferred. #APStyleChat (3/3)
The term Big Tech refers to the technology companies that dominated global commerce throughout the 2010s. Generally this includes Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon. But it shouldn’t be understood to exclude other large U.S. tech companies. #APStyleChat (1/3)
The term is most appropriate in the context of legal, regulatory or market issues, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Avoid if the deliberate ambiguity of the term risks confusion, particularly where Chinese technology giants are concerned. #APStyleChat (2/3)
Avoid related jargony terms often used by investors such as FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google), GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) or GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon). #APStyleChat (3/3)
When describing technology, consider your audience carefully. Younger generations have grown up with technology and require less explanation of terms and services they find familiar, while the same language may bewilder some older readers. #APStyleChat (1/3)
When in doubt, explain potentially unfamiliar terms and avoid online or technical jargon. #APStyleChat (2/3)
It's safe to assume that services in widespread use – such as Facebook and Google – will be recognized by all demographics. Other terms, such as zero-day vulnerability, are not familiar to many and should be explained for general audiences. #APStyleChat (3/3)
The new Stylebook includes more than 100 new and revised entries related to technology. That will be our focus in today’s chat, since we previously tweeted about many of the other major updates released earlier this month. #APStyleChat (1/3)
Many of the technology entries were crafted by Nick Jesdanun, who was our deputy technology editor. He died of COVID-19 not long after wrapping up this work. We dedicate this edition to him. #APStyleChat (2/3)
Earlier this month we announced new guidance on gender-neutral language, sexual abuse and sexual assault, climate change, semi-automatic rifles, homelessness, older adults, first responders, and the terms midnight, preheat, mistress and Voodoo. #APStyleChat (3/3)
A family of viruses, some coronaviruses cause disease in people and animals.
They are named for crownlike spikes on their surfaces.
#APStyleChat (1/7)
They are named for crownlike spikes on their surfaces.
#APStyleChat (1/7)
The viruses can cause the common cold or more severe diseases such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and COVID-19, the latter of which first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. #APStyleChat (2/7)
As of March, referring to simply the coronavirus is acceptable on first reference in stories about COVID-19. While the phrasing incorrectly implies there is only one coronavirus, it is clear in this context. #APStyleChat (3/7)
Election returns are usually outdated as soon as they are published and should therefore be used sparingly in stories/scripts —especially shortly after polls close and the vote count is just beginning. #APStyleChat (1/3)
It is often better to characterize the state of the vote count, rather than report it directly: Chang took an early lead shortly after polls. As midnight approached, Hernandez led Jacobs by 25,000 votes out of more than 279,000 votes counted. #APStyleChat (2/3)
It's often most accurate to describe totals as a subset of votes counted, not votes cast. The final number of votes cast usually isn't available until several days after an election. Example: Jones had a lead of 101 votes of more than 1.1 million votes counted. #APStyleChat (3/3)
For possessives of plural nouns ending in s, add only an apostrophe: the churches' needs, the girls' toys, the horses' food, the ships' wake, states' rights, the VIPs' entrance. #APStyleChat (1/4)
For possessives of singular common nouns ending in s, add 's: the witness's answer, the witness's story. #APStyleChat (2/4)
What to do about singular proper names ending in s? Our current style calls for just an apostrophe: Achilles' heel, Agnes' book, Kansas’ schools. Some styles use 's, like singular common nouns ending in s. So others use Achilles’s heel, Kansas’s schools. #APStyleChat (3/4)
