The Indian government has written to top social media companies including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, ShareChat and Twitter, to control the spread of misinformation on Covid-19.
In an advisory sent on Friday, the government asked social media platforms to start awareness campaigns, remove misinformation from the platform and promote authentic information on the virus.
ET has a copy of the advisory sent by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). “All social media companies are working closely on the issue but we want them to be particular about removing misinformation. We want them to promote authentic content and remove fake news,” a senior government official told ET on condition of anonymity.
Read: Govt talks to Facebook, Google, WhatsApp for virus info blitz
It urged social media platforms to initiate awareness campaigns on the platforms for users to not upload or circulate false news concerning coronavirus, which is likely to create panic and disturb social tranquility. It also asked the companies to take immediate action to disable and remove such content on a priority basis and promote the dissemination of authentic information related to the virus.
Misinformation on the virus including home remedies, conspiracy theories, false government advisories and misleading narratives around China exploded in March as the number of infected patients started growing. Social media platforms have changed algorithms and are removing content and reducing the discoverability of such posts. Twitter, Facebook and Google are also showing links to the World Health Organization’s website when terms around the virus are searched. ShareChat is working with factcheckers.
Twitter said it is committed to working with the Govt of India and focused on protecting the public conversation and helping people find authoritative information sources. “We have open lines of communication with relevant stakeholders in the central and state governments and public health officials, to ensure they can troubleshoot account issues and seek strategic counsel as they use the power of Twitter to mitigate harm and connect with the public at large,” said Mahima Kaul, Director, Public Policy, India and South Asia, Twitter.
Google spokesperson said that to help surface authoritative information during these exceptional times, it is working closely with all government ministries, including the PMO, to better enable people to find useful information around coronavirus across its products and platforms. Facebook spokesperson said the company has received the advisory. It is supporting the global public health community’s work to keep people safe and informed and one of the key priorities is making sure everyone has accurate information.
Read: Social media giants warn of AI moderation errors as coronavirus empties offices
Leave a Reply