Fake news is a big problem on the internet. Companies like Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others invest a ton of resources to help protect users on their online platforms against misinformation.
And although some of that has been effective, misinformation continues to be a huge problem on the internet. And with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a lot of misinformation on social networks, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
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The companies behind these platforms have already been working to take actions against such misinformation at this difficult time. However, a number of large tech companies issued a joint industry statement this morning about such misinformation.
“We are working closely together on COVID-19 response efforts. We’re helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus,” the statement reads. “We invite other companies to join us as as we work to keep our communities healthy and safe,” the statement added.
A joint industry statement on COVID-19 from Microsoft, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter and YouTube: pic.twitter.com/uKEXvjMuBi
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) March 17, 2020
The joint industry statement was signed by Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube.
The move comes after representatives from a number of US tech companies remotely met with White House officials. According to reports, the White House had asked help from tech companies to help fight coronavirus misinformation.