User confidence in social media giants has been plummeting in the wake of data privacy scandals and the rise of ‘fake news’. As a result, many are choosing to connect with like-minded individuals in micro-spaces that they believe can offer better security and a sense of community.

Messaging service WhatsApp is taking steps to tackle fake news. The app has launched a feature that helps users to fact-check viral messages, aiming to bring more transparency to the stories that get shared and to dispel dangerous conspiracy theories.

In a move that could come back to bite them, Twitter has tagged two of Donald Trump’s tweets with fact-checking warnings. People have long demanded more action from tech giants to stop the spread of fake news, and this marks a watershed moment in the fight against complacency.

Dismissed as creepy at best and dangerous at worst, Snapchat’s Snap Map enables users to share their real-time locations. Although the feature was universally panned, it’s been instrumental in documenting social unrest and helping protesters organize without relying on media.