After WhatsApp, Facebook messaging service, Messenger has launched its own hub dedicated to coronavirus. In a similar fashion, The Messenger Coronavirus Community Hub is meant to curb the spread of misinformation and also offer tips and tricks on how to optimally use the platform in times of social distancing.
Today, we’re launching the Messenger Coronavirus Community Hub with tips and resources to keep people connected to their friends, family, colleagues and community, and prevent the spread of misinformation. https://t.co/jZtZBJS36L #inthistogether pic.twitter.com/5l4XdemxlL
— Messenger (@messenger) March 26, 2020
The community hub urges people to fact check the information they receive and even the ones they want to share with others. It points out not to blindly trust messages that have been forwarded and to avoid sharing information they are unsure about. The Messenger Coronavirus Community Hub recommends to crosscheck the authenticity of information with the help of trusted sources like the World Health Organization or your ministry of health.
Additionally, the Messenger Coronavirus Community Hub offers tips and guides to connect with their loved ones and local business. It further describes how parents can set up ‘virtual playdates or homework sessions’ for their children using the Messenger Kids app.
As mentioned before, even WhatsApp has launched a Coronavirus Information Hub. The website in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers basic tips and information on coronavirus from vetted sources and also how to connect with the health authorities.
WHO, itself has a WhatsApp number where people can have their coronavirus queries answered by a bot.
But the messaging platforms are not the only ones fighting the spread of misinformation around COVID-19, as Facebook launched a 'Coronavirus Information Center' that will be present at the top of its News Feed. While YouTube has launched a dedicated news shelf for vetted news coverage and Google has launched its own coronavirus website. Even Twitter, with its additional coronavirus rules, is enforcing strict restrictions on the content on its platform.
Additionally, a number of big tech companies announced that they would be joining forces in their fight against misinformation and fraud related to the Coronavirus outbreak
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