Main image via Rappler
The coronavirus is being talked about everywhere now and many people have questioned the validity of some of the articles spreading online.
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Twitter, as one of the main ‘influencers’ is taking steps to fight disinformation about the virus- but how are they doing that?
For now, they're trying to prevent automated search results that are likely to direct people to non-credible content.
Instead, the search would direct followers to more authoritative information from credible organizations.
We want to help you access credible information, especially when it comes to public health.
— Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) January 29, 2020
We’ve adjusted our search prompt in key countries across the globe to feature authoritative health sources when you search for terms related to novel #coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/RrDypu08YZ
Although they have not seen the significant coordinated attempts to spread disinformation related to the virus, there has been more than 15 million tweets related to the issue in the past month.
The steps they took to encourage people to know the right facts doesn’t really seem to impress followers on Twitter, though.
Here’s what they have to say.
Love #censorship. Time to close my account with 20,000 followers
— Tom Papatolis (@tpapatolis) January 29, 2020
So Twitter dictates what we read now?
— Deb Carr (@SydneyChicBlog) January 29, 2020
Could we see the whole list and the sources you deem suitable?
— binglee (@binglee) January 29, 2020
And here I thought I was a mature, responsible who could think for myself.
— ThinkLearnTeach (@shurleynot) January 29, 2020
Take this off please.. we know where to find what is deemed credible. We should be allowed to see whatever is posted in the order it is posted. Don’t go all Wuhan on us please
— JustShell✌️ (@JustMeBelle557) January 29, 2020
Censorship at its finest.@save_the_tweet #please
— Eternalized News (@EternalizedNews) January 30, 2020
Most of the tweets are disinformation and people spreading panic anyway.
— Zetta (@MGZetta) January 29, 2020
Most of the tweets are disinformation and people spreading panic anyway.
— Zetta (@MGZetta) January 29, 2020
Based on what I have seen of Twitter these last years, to put it bluntly, I don't trust your assessment of what is true versus what isn't.
— Raul Vasquez (@akaRaulVasquez) January 30, 2020
Hmm, what is your opinion on this matter?
Please stay safe and take precautions!
Info via Mashable
