WhatsApp had become a major platform when it comes to the spread of misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and due to its end-to-end encryption, it got even harder to keep track of sources of misinformation.
But the platform has been making the effort to curb false information pretty well by launching various tools and setting new limits on message forwarding. This week, WhatsApp has partnered with Poynter and launched a chatbot for fact-checking. It will give answers on more than 4,000 hoaxes in just a few seconds.
The chatbot will carry information supplied by 100 above independent fact-checkers in more than 70 countries. So if you're doubtful about news related to COVID-19, you can enter it in the chatbot and it will tell you about the truth in no time, this can greatly help slow and eradicate the spread of some false updates.
WhatsApp is home to millions of users worldwide and due to its vast usage especially in developing regions, it has raised a lot of concern in this respect. So it is important for WhatsApp to tackle false news in any way it can. It is crucial to provide people with accurate and latest updates to fight the outbreak. People must be aware of how to act and about the measures they should take to control the spread. The more false messages spread, the more devastating will be the outcome.
To use the chatbot, save the contact number +1(727) 2912606 and send a message 'hi' to it. It currently works in English but is expected to support Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages in the next few days.
