WhatsApp has done a lot against fake news since the start of the corona pandemic. But now there is a new campaign against fake news.
- WhatsApp *: The fight against Corona fake news goes into the next round
- Now there is an extra WhatsApp chatbot to expose false reports about Corona
- The Corona Chatbot will soon be available in multiple languages
In addition to the World Health Organization (WHO) *, they are now also working with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). This has now even set up an extra chatbot to combat fake news.
WhatsApp and Corona: that's behind the International Fact-Checking Network
The new WhatsApp chatbot was launched by the International Fact-Checking Network. Behind this are 74 fact checkers from all over the world. The IFCN is based at the Poynter Institute in Saint Petersburg in the state of Florida ( USA ).
Since the beginning of this year, the employees of the non-profit organization have been able to expose over 4000 false reports. They all stand in connection with the current corona pandemic . This false information, including the evidence that refutes it, was collected in a specially created database.
WhatsApp and Corona: The chatbot can do that
The WhatsApp Chatbot of the IFCN now enables WhatsApp users to access this database worldwide. So far, however, this has only been possible in English. But it has already been announced that more languages will follow.
According to itopnews.de, the languages Hindi and Spanish should follow first. In addition to English, these are the two most spoken languages in the world, if you ignore Chinese. The goal is clear: to reach as many people as possible and to educate them about the corona pandemic .
There is now a WhatsApp chatbot from the @Poynter Institute that can debunk over 4,000 Corona false reports. Cool thing! pic.twitter.com/gsxO2ZDDLN
- Thomas Prager (@ThoPrager) May 5, 2020WhatsApp and Corona: How to get access to the chatbot
There are different ways to use the WhatsApp Chatbot. For example, users can save a contact with the number: +1 (727) 291-2606 on their cell phone. To start the chatbot, it is sufficient to send a WhatsApp message with "Hi" to this contact.
Alternatively, users also come to the chatbot via an invitation link, but this only works on mobile devices.
WhatsApp and Corona: This is how the chatbot works
As soon as the WhatsApp chatbot has been activated, it can be operated via a WhatsApp chat window.
At the beginning the navigation menu is shown in the chat. If you send a "0" in the chat, you will always be directed back to the navigation menu. The individual operating steps are listed here.
Screenshot WhatsApp Chatbot
© Lucas Maier / nh
You can jump to the individual menu items by sending messages with the respective menu item to the chatbot.
WhatsApp and Corona: Users can find fact checkers near them
For example, by sending a "4" to the chatbot, the WhatsApp user automatically comes to menu item 4. Here he is shown which institutions in his area are checking facts. In Germany , for example, facts are checked by Correktiv.org.
Under menu item 2, users can view the latest Corona fact checks. The last checks of the country in which you are located are always displayed. By entering the message, however, you can easily switch to the information of a desired country.
WhatsApp and Corona: concrete searches are also possible
The WhatsApp chatbot also allows you to search for specific terms or descriptions in the database. However, only words and numbers previously defined by the developers can be recognized. In addition, the search has so far only been possible in English.
If you have found what you are looking for and are shown some fact checks, you can usually display further fact checks on the desired Corona topic by sending a "+" .
WhatsApp and Corona: There is also general information in the bot
You can also find general information about avoiding fake news via the WhatsApp chatbot . Under menu item 3, the user is shown six notes on this.
In addition, a link is provided, which leads to instructions for the reverse search of images. Among other things, the developers suggest to the user to primarily trust scientists instead of politicians. We also request that content about the corona pandemic not be shared immediately.
WhatsApp and Corona: Messenger competes with Zoom
It's not just fake news that causes WhatsApp messenger problems during the corona crisis *. The competition is also growing. Now WhatsApp wants to face the rival Zoom with a new function.
The users of the WhatsApp messenger service not only have to be careful with shared information, but also with so-called extension apps *. SnapTube is one of these and can cause considerable damage.
Video: Corona self-test with chat robot
* hna.de is the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.