- It's one of a number of steps Facebook is taking to try and direct users to reliable information about the pandemic.
- WhatsApp has previously struggled with the spread of misinformation on its encrypted platform.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .
ADVERTISEMENT
The World Health Organization has launched a WhatsApp chatbot to warn people about the coronavirus' dangers (FB)
The WHO has launched a WhatsApp chatbot to provide people with info about the coronavirus.
whatsapp who chatbot
The World Health Organisation has launched a chatbot to provide people with information about the novel coronavirus as the pandemic continues to spread across the globe.
Announced on Friday , the service lets users of the Facebook-owned messaging app learn more about current infection rates, how to protect themselves, and get answers to frequently asked questions about the disease.
It's one of a number of steps Facebook is taking to try and promote reliable information about COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, that has now infected more than 265,000 people and killed more than 11,000 globally. The Silicon Valley-based tech giant has launched a Coronavirus Information Center that provides info and is prominently placed in its main app, and is deleting dangerous misinformation about the disease.
ADVERTISEMENT
The WHO's bot is relatively simple, and doesn't respond to natural language or questions from users. Instead, users can send numbers (or emojis) to get more info on corresponding topics like "mythbusters," "travel advice," or how to donate to aid efforts. (People can access it by following this link on their phones .)
WhatsApp has faced repeated criticism in the past for its role in spreading hoaxes and misinformation. Unlike Facebook's namesake messaging app or its Instagram app, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning Facebook cannot actively moderate content that users send one another on ther service.
How is the coronavirus impacting your workplace? You can contact this reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal (+1 650-636-6268), encrypted email (robaeprice@protonmail.com), standard email (rprice@businessinsider.com),Telegram/Wickr/WeChat (robaeprice), orTwitter DM ( @robaeprice ).
See Also:
ADVERTISEMENT
- A man used a drone to take his dog for a walk while he was in lockdown because of the coronavirus
- The UK is in talks to use phone location data to monitor COVID-19 but seems to be stopping short of spying on individuals
- These at-home fitness apps are seeing a surge as gyms close and people are ordered to shelter in place to contain the coronavirus pandemic
SEE ALSO: Coronavirus live updates: More than 265,000 people have been infected and more than 11,100 have died. The US has reported 220 deaths. Here's everything we know.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
How to save a life by doing CPR during an emergency
How 1 woman became first lady of 2 different countries — she married 2 presidents
How parents, teachers can recognise when a child is being bullied
It's illegal to publicly celebrate your birthday in this country
Medikal covers Fella Makafui’s tattoo from his arm after announcing their split
Men aged 20 to 39 responsible for 86% of teenage pregnancies in Tema
Kudus’ ‘center to goal’ strike against Freiburg wins West Ham goal of the month
Bawumia's manifesto team member grabs GH¢245m single-sourced contract — Ablakwa