WhatsApp Introduces Chatbot To Shoot Down COVID-19 Myths

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WhatsApp Introduces Chatbot To Shoot Down
COVID-19 Myths
A lot of rumors about COVID-19 and its cure are
being circulated increasing the level of
misinformation. This puts the safety of many
individuals at stake. Hence, there is a need to
introduce a technology that can eradicate the
persisting bunch of rumors completely. Recently,
WhatsApp launched an international chatbot, in
order to eradicate the hoaxes. It is a combined
effort of Poynter and WhatsApp. This particular
chatbot would allow the users, all around the
world to debunk myths about the pandemic. The
people can debunk more than 4,000 hoaxes. The
system is dependent on more than 100 independent
fact-checkers. These fact-checkers are present in
almost 70 countries.

• Any user can seamlessly access the chatbot by
  saving 1-727-291-2606 as a contact and texting
  hi.
• Once the user has access to the provided WhatsApp
  chatbot, they would be asked to type a number
  for prompt. Then they can perform the following
  actions, take a look-
• Search for fact checks
• Get the latest fact checks
• Receive information to fight misinformation
• Find nearby fact-checkers
• Learn more about the chatbot

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Canadians can text a '2', in order to get the
update on debunked myths. For example, the bot
debunked the myth where the robbers posed as the
COVID-19 test team. The police reported that
there was no such crime reported. WhatsApp is
making a lot of efforts to prevent the outbreak
of misinformation. It also included a step where
the limit to forward messages is reduced to one
chat at a time. There is also an informational
hub by the platform to keep the users updated on
myths. Isn't it a great step to curb
misinformation? Let us know about your views in
the comment section, but until stay tuned for
more updates.