Social media companies come together to fight misinformation

In an exceptional move, major social media companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn have come up with a joint statement to fight against the misinformation spreading across the internet. To be more specific, there has been a lot of buzz regarding the coronavirus outbreak, while it is good to remain well-informed; several misinformed or anti-social elements have created chaos across the globe.

Social media has become a very powerful tool. Recently, YouTube took down several videos based on coronavirus to discourage people from making fake videos on coronavirus for monetary purposes. Google Play Store and Apple App Store have taken down several games based on coronavirus.

The World Health Organization’s director-general said last month that misinformation is as dangerous as COVID-19. During an address at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15, TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus said “We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous.”

WHO has officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram have already included information cards on their websites that redirect to sources like the World Health Organization.