Tech platforms fight to control coronavirus rumours

BENGALURU: Technology platforms are fighting to control misinformation regarding the novel coronavirus through search prompts, removal of content and by teaming up with fact checkers, amid a social media deluge of alarming warnings, possible cures and rumours regarding the virus that originated in China.

On Friday, Twitter launched a dedicated search prompt for India with the ministry of health and family welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that individuals immediately get authoritative health information from the right sources when they search about the virus.

Facebook, Google and YouTube also flash the same link to the WHO website if ‘coronavirus’ or related terms are searched on their platforms.