New York (AFP)
Several major Internet platforms have decided to combine their efforts to combat online disinformation on the coronavirus pandemic and to promote "reliable content" on the crisis.
In a joint statement released Monday evening, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft and Reddit, as well as YouTube (owned by Google) and LinkedIn (owned by Microsoft) said "they are working together closely on the response to COVID-19. "
"We are helping millions of people stay connected while fighting virus fraud and misinformation by highlighting reliable content on our platforms and sharing essential coordination information with global health agencies," say the groups. .
"We invite other companies to join us to continue protecting our communities," they add.
In a separate statement, Facebook said it is already taking steps to limit misinformation and harmful content about the pandemic, including banning ads that seek to spread panic or promote treatments that have not worked. been demonstrated.
This decision comes at a time when the global response to the pandemic is intensifying and when false information questioning the very reality of the virus is circulating on the Internet.
Several countries have decreed strict containment measures to contain the spread of the virus, followed by several American cities and states.
© 2020 AFP