Browne calls for national messaging service to combat fake news problem
FIANNA Fáil’s, Deputy James Browne, has called for the setting up of a national information service to the public can be provided with up-to-date Covid-19 information.
Deputy Browne said such a service should be an ‘opt-in’ initiative and that the information is sent straight to people’s phones.
Commenting on the matter the Enniscorthy based TD said it’s important to fight back against misleading social media messages.
‘More action is needed to combat the spread of fake and misleading WhatsApp messages which have been circulating over the past number of days,’ he said.
‘People are understandably worried given the current uncertainty and the spread of these scare stories are not helping the situation,’ he added.
He highlighted that Singapore has established an update service for its citizens.
‘They simply sign themselves up to a government WhatsApp group which sends them the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 every day,’ he said.
‘A service like this would also be useful to those who have mobile phones but are not necessarily social media or WhatsApp users,’ he added.
Deputy Browne said some of the information circulated in recent days was not just inaccurate and unhelpful but was adding to the fear experienced by people - especially older people.
‘If we could ensure that people were receiving reliable, accurate information it could vastly improve compliance with hand and cough hygiene, social distancing, and self-isolation,’ said Deputy Browne.
‘The service could not only provide the latest figures on cases, it would also encourage people to take the necessary precautions to help prevent the spread the virus.’
While acknowledging that such information is available through the HSE website Deputy Browne said that having it send directly to people’s phones would help everybody including those who don’t typically use the internet..
‘These are very difficult times and any measures which could help contain the virus, keep people informed with the latest information, and encourage them to keep taking the precautions necessary to limit the spread, should be considered,’ he said.