To combat the spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19, the United Nations (UN) is launching “Verified,” an initiative that aims to create a group of volunteers that will help promote verified and accurate information about the pandemic.
The initiative, which will be led by the UN Department for Global Communications, focuses on providing information that helps save lives, promote cooperation and advocate support to impacted populations.
To help promote their content, Verified will be partnering with UN agencies, influencers, businesses and media organizations, while working with social media platforms to remove misleading information about the virus.
People are also encouraged to sign up as volunteers or “digital first responders,” for the initiative. Volunteers will receive content that counters misinformation with verified facts, or fills an “information void” online.
“Misinformation spreads online, in messaging apps and person to person. Its creators use savvy production and distribution methods,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. To counter it, scientists and institutions like the United Nations need to reach people with accurate information they can trust.”
Header photo by Fabian Irsara on Unsplash
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Writer: ANGELA PATRICIA SUACILLO
