Currently, the world is facing a battle of the corona epidemic which started in December 2019 and has rolled over to 2020. The outbreak became an international pandemic. Hence every country is having to carry fear and has gathered information regarding the disease.
And in the digital market, it affected more than any other industry. It affects more to the education sector, financial industries, custom software development companies, retail sectors, healthcare agencies, etc. and many others. And in the next months, it looks like more industries will be added.
As a result, Social media became one of the essential sources of information and a platform for dangerous rumor-mongering. The WHO Director-General even stated: “We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic.”. Social media platforms are under severe pressure to regulate misinformation about the disease which is leading people in the wrong direction.
On March 16, several social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, Whatsapp, and others published a statement they will take care of the fraud and misinformation about the virus.
The following are the leading social media platforms who are taking different measures to secure the leak of wrong information.
- The world’s largest social media platform is taking steps to make it safer when it comes to coronavirus. The platform is trying hard to deliver the quality info while neglecting the falsehood.
- On March 18, Facebook initiated one program titled “CoronaVirus Information Centre” which will serve all mandatory information and tips, precautions measures and knowledge about the symptoms to the people.
- Banned the exploiting ads about the medicals mask and other bogus curing tips. Hence when a user searches for ‘coronavirus’ keyword it is directed to the WHO or national health organization.
- Facebook owner, Mark Zuckerberg announced that conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 will be removed totally and will be flagged at by global health organizations, as well as providing the WHO with free ads. Facebook is connecting with UN health agencies through messenger which also included an automated response to the question commonly asked.
- Whenever a user searches with ‘CoronaVirus’ keyword, it reflects the SOS alert banner which is information given by recognized health organizations and governments. It promotes WHO’s ‘ do the five’ coronavirus-prevention campaign.
- Like Facebook and Instagram, Google is also blocking the ads which capitalize on the pandemic. Google has even banned the search for coronavirus on Google play store.
- Google even removed misleading information and fake reviews about any health-care locations from Google Maps.
- Google designed a website in partnership with the US government to provide information and resources about COVID-19. It includes tips, locations where it is majorly affected by the outbreak and connects with local health agencies and it’s multilingual.
- Rumors and Hoaxes are spread in a huge number in the Whatsapp group chats but unfortunately, messages are heavily encrypted so it cannot be monitored.
- Facebook said that it will demolish the fake accounts from an app using AI to identify the accounts which send such automated messages.
- This application containing 1.6 million users worldwide is offering tips lines about health services.
- Whatsapp launched WhatsApp CoronaVirus Information Hub which works with WHO, UNICEF and UNDP to spread the awareness about the COVID-19 and stop the rumors
- Whatsapp even developed a chatbot to ask the questions about the remedies about the coronavirus and get the information.
- Similar results come when there is a search about coronavirus- related terms on twitter, It directs to the national health organizations.
- Twitter updated its safety policy by saying that they will ban the tweet that promotes or mislead the information regarding the COVID-19. It also bans wrong informative tweets about ineffective treatments, preventions, and diagnostic techniques. But monitoring all tweets will not be possible by their end.
- Twitter allows promoting NGO’s with credits to advertise the security measure to reach public health.
- Instagram is banning the hashtags related to Coronavirus and taking the user to public health organizations. Search for #CoronaVirus shows a pop-up website URL of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- User is not allowed to search for the filters linked with CoronaVirus unless they are recognized by the WHO. However, to spread awareness they come up with stickers spreading information saying “Stay Home” which can be kept on Instagram stories encouraging social distancing to virtually connect.
Social media platforms are taking mandatory measures to prevent misleading fake information and conspiracy theories. They are doing good than bad help to needed people. All social media helps users to overcome their isolation in the quarantine period.