COVID-19 Misinformation: Facebook, WHO launch new campaign across Africa
Facebook and Covid 19
FeaturedHighlightTrending StoryWorld News

COVID-19 Misinformation: Facebook, WHO launch new campaign across Africa

144

 

By Ajuma Edwina Ameh

 

To connect people to accurate information and reduce misinformation on its platforms, Facebook is launching a new campaign in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) tagged, “Together Against Covid-19 Misinformation’’.

The campaign will roll out to people in English and French across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and DRC, and will pop on Facebook through a series of graphics with tips on how to spot false news.

Last month, Facebook announced the biggest worldwide campaign https://bit.ly/3cGJamf to promote authoritative information about Covid-19 vaccines, working to remove false vaccine claims, reduce distribution of inaccurate health information, and inform people about effective vaccine delivery.

According to a statement issued by the social media platform on Monday, the tips on how to spot false news will include checking the source, checking how it makes you feel as false news can manipulate feelings for click and checking the context.

“As part of the campaign, Facebook will also be launching a dedicated website; https://bit.ly/3fwscsN, in English and French, which will include information on how we are tackling misinformation on our platforms.

“It will give people more transparency around our Remove, Reduce and Inform strategy, outline our community standards, and share the steps we are taking to combat false news around global events such as Covid-19, elections and climate change,” the statement said.

Commenting, the Public Policy Manager, Aïda Ndiaye, said: “Ensuring users are getting authoritative information about Covid-19 vaccines is just some of the vital work we are doing here at Facebook.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we will continue working with industry experts and people on our platforms to ensure we are aggressively tackling misinformation and giving people additional resources to scrutinize content they see online, helping them decide what to read, trust and share.”

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

FG to collect only nine types of taxes, says FIRS chairman

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says in line with the presidential...

After 14 days in detention, First News editor, Segun Olatunji, breathes air of freedom

The Editor of FirstNews, a digital newspaper, Segun Olatunji, on Thursday regained...

N3trn budget padding: Sen. Ningi threatens legal action if suspension is not lifted in seven days

Abdul Ningi, the senator representing Bauchi Central, has given Senate President Godswill...

Eniola Ajao apologizes over “AJAKAJU” movie premiere controversy

Actress Eniola Ajao has issued an apology to the public in the...

Ex-Presidential media aide, Akande criticises LP’s leadership, urges party’s alignment with national interest

Mr. Laolu Akande, a former presidential assistant, has expressed dissatisfaction with the...

Economic hardship: Ogun Govt. begins sale of rice at 50 percent price reduction to workers, public

Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will start selling...

FG committed to steel industry revitalization to drive infrastructural development, says Industry Minister, Dr Uzoka-Anite

The Federal Government is committed to industry rehabilitation, with a focus on...

Easter: FG declares Friday, March 29, Monday, April 1 public holidays

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1,...

Fake, unwholesome products: NAFDAC seals 10 bakeries, 8 table water factories in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) has shut down...

Climate change, food security: AfDB approves $50 million for Yobe State

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has granted a $50 million loan...

Ex Guinea-Bissau President’s Son Jailed in U.S. for Drug Trafficking

Malam Bacai Sanha Jr, the son of a former president of Guinea-Bissau,...

Togo dumps presidential system for parliamentary, adopts new constitution

Togolese lawmakers adopted a new constitution on Monday, moving the West African...

Few weeks to party primary, leading Ondo APC governorship aspirant, Dr. Paul Akintelure, passes away

Dr. Paul Akintelure, a prominent candidate for governorship in Ondo State who...

IPOB, bandits using betting sites, crowdsourcing to finance terrorism – NFIU

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), bandits, and other terror organizations are...

EU launches €9m energy projects in Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has unveiled two new initiatives worth €9 million...

Don’t sell dollar above N1,269, CBN orders Bureau de Change

As part of measures to strengthen the naira against the dollar, the...

U.S. state bars under-15 children from having social media accounts

Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill prohibiting children younger...

Anguishes, deprivations as Lagos Govt. house demolition squad moves from Lekki to Ebutte Meta

Cries of anguish and deprivation followed the demolition of Ifesowapo, Ifedapo, Otto/Ilogbo,...

U.S. bridge collapses after cargo ship collision, casualties feared

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore collapsed...

NGE expresses worry about nation’s growing insecurity, demands release of Olatunji, FirstNews editor

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on all levels of...