Facebook looks to curb the spread of COVID-19 misinformation

Facebook is no stranger to misinformation campaigns plaguing its platform. From election misinformation to posts insisting whales inhabit lakes across our nation, Facebook is said to be the worst when it comes to the spread of fake news. In its latest fight against this unfortunate phenomenon, Facebook has taken to its online newsroom to introduce two new measures targeting the circulation of coronavirus misinformation on the social media platform.

First things first, Facebook will begin showing messages to people who have liked, reacted or commented on coronavirus misinformation the company has removed. These messages will connect users to debunked COVID-19 myths to clarify any misunderstandings about the virus.

We want to connect people who may have interacted with harmful misinformation about the virus with the truth from authoritative sources in case they see or hear these claims again off of Facebook,” Guy Rosen, VP of Integrity shared in the announcement.

“Stopping the spread of misinformation and harmful content about COVID-19 on our apps is also critically important.”

Facebook users should expect to see these messages in their feeds in the coming weeks.

The company will also add a new section to its COVID-19 Information Center. Known as “Get the Facts,” this information hub will highlight fact-checked articles from partners that have dedicated themselves to debunking coronavirus misinformation.

To further support its fact-checking efforts, Facebook has partnered with the International Fact-Checking Network. This partnership has resulted in grants being awarded to 13 fact-checking organizations around the world, all of which will work to support projects in Italy, Spain, Colombia, India, the Republic of Congo and other nations.

Rosen continued, “As this pandemic evolves, we’ll continue focusing on the most effective ways to keep misinformation and dangerous hoaxes about COVID-19 off our apps and ensure people have credible information from health experts to stay safe and informed.”