As the entire world faces an unprecedented public health emergency, social media has become a critical tool for communication. While all other communication methods have become less or no effect during the pandemic, new media has emerged as most efficient. But they’re no less than a double-edged sword, which keeps the communication flow smooth but also accelerates the spread of misinformation or fake news. However, social media platforms are taking up all the necessary steps to monitor and control the spread of information.
Considering the reach of social media, the potential of the spread of misinformation is too huge than other conventional mass media platforms. If we look at the virality potential of platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp etc, it becomes essential for them to rethink of their guidelines and take strict steps to ensure no fake news get promoted.
Realizing the included risk factors, social platforms have joined their forces to extend their support which will open a long way in assisting the authorities to monitor and control the transfer of relevant information.
On March 16, social media platforms across categories came forward and join hands to stand strong in the testing times. Together, they pledged to fight against “fraud and misinformation about Covid-19.”
To declare about their joined forces, LinkedIn made a joint statement with Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube.
“We are working closely together on COVID-19 response efforts. We’re helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in coordination with government healthcare agencies around the world. We invite other companies to join us as we work to keep our communities healthy and safe,” reads the statement.
Mahima Kaul, Director, Public Policy, India and South Asia, Twitter reveals that they’re committed to working with the Government of India and focused on protecting the public conversation. She also told that Twitter India is ensuring only authoritative and relevant sources of information reach the audience on Twitter.
This is not it, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social media platforms also took commendable initiatives. Here, we take a closer look at how different new media platforms are keeping the communication flow going while lessening the risk of fake news.
Twitter has always opted for a zero-tolerance policy towards fake news or manipulated information. To prevent the spread of fake news around Covid-19, Twitter recently adjusted its search prompt.
The search prompt is live in more than 60 countries including India and the platform is making the latest facts easy to discover by placing them at the top of people’s timelines and within the explore Tab. In India, Twitter has partnered with the World Health Organization (@WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. They have also launched a dedicated COVID-19 Event page in English and Hindi that has the latest facts right at the top of the home timeline.
“We’re expanding our safety rules and broadening our definition of harm to address content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information. In addition to reports, we will enforce this in close coordination with trusted partners, including public health authorities and governments, and continue to use and consult with information from those sources when reviewing content. Most importantly, 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,” asserted the Twitter India spokesperson.
Facebook & Instagram
Facebook and Instagram are platforms where people express themselves safely and it remains true even during the current health situation.
Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships, Facebook India said, “Our efforts are focused towards ensuring everyone has accurate information about COVID19, stopping misinformation and harmful content, and supporting global health experts and relief efforts.”
Both, Facebook and Instagram block Coronavirus related hashtags, rather it redirects the user to public health organisations.
In line with the government’s efforts, Facebook and Instagram are engaging with creators to amplify accurate information pertaining to COVID19 and reiterating guidance from WHO with the ‘Safe hands’ challenge and staying at home. The two platforms are also curating and augmenting experiences working with public figures and creators, using Facebook and Instagram Live and sharing new features such as the ‘I’m staying at home’ Facebook badge, ‘Stay Home’ and ‘Ghar Pe Raho’ Instagram stickers and co-watching on Instagram.”
LinkedIn, which is known as a more formal social media platform, is also making sure to prevent the spread of fake news around Coronavirus in every possible way. Reportedly, LinkedIn’s global team of 60-plus editors are directed to cure news and perspectives about the coronavirus from trusted sources.
This initiative includes insights on various trending and informative topics that have greater potential to grab user’s attention. For instance, WHO’s initiatives, the impact on the economy, companies efforts against Covid-19, new government policies etc.
LinkedIn has also added a new section in feed, naming it as “Trending News”. This section features news related to aforesaid topics. Let us also tell you that this feature is globally available in 54 countries in 9 different languages.
YouTube
The biggest video sharing platform, YouTube has become too strong over the period. As it has potential to reach out to the maximum number of people at a time, it is also making sure to not let itself used as a medium to spread misinformation. On March 19, the platform came forth to run more and more verified and informative videos on Covid-19.
YouTube also introduced information panels from WHO or other national health organizations. To support the government in the battle against Covid-19, YouTube is giving free ad space for the promotion of government policies. YouTube is also offering free ad spaces to the leading NGOs working to revive the nation from the health emergency.
TikTok
The Chinese video-sharing app, TikTok, which has the largest user base in India, also has strict guidelines that prohibit harmful content.
The popular video-sharing app also announced to donate $10 million to the WHO’s Solidarity Response Fund. This fund from Tiktok will help WHO in providing essential supplies to the healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to cure others.
