WhatsApp to fact-check messages

Published Oct 2, 2020

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CAPE TOWN - Social media platforms have received backlash for being a breeding grounds for false information during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the consequences of a pernicious “infodemic.”

Facing pressure from the WHO, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have since taken measures to counter disinformation about the coronavirus on their platforms.

WhatsApp has also received its fair share of reprisals and has already taken a few steps to try and combat this wave of misinformation, including limiting the ability to forward viral messages and piloting a way to quickly double-check such messages online.

SEE ALSO: SA ranks 2nd in the world for reliable Covid-19 news

The messaging app has now partnered with independent fact-checking charity

Full Fact

to launch a new fact-checking service in the United Kingdom.

“We were interested in exploring this issue because the World Health Organization has identified Covid-19 misinformation, which it dubbed an

‘infodemic,’

as a serious concern in fighting the pandemic,” said Alliance Director Sarah Evanega.