Online filtering service backed in fight against Covid-19 fake news
● App identifies trustworthy websites and flags any with ‘dangerous information’
The UK Government has endorsed an online tool which helps filter out “fake news” in efforts to tackle coronavirusrelated misinformation.
An app by Newsguard helps users identify trustworthy websites and flags any that are hosting “dangerous information” in relation to the pandemic.
The service says it has identified more than 140 websites publishing fake news on Covid-19,
with some getting more engagement over a 24-hour period than some NHS websites have received in a month.
Newsguard said libraries in the UK were using its services to help members navigate information sources before the outbreak.
But now that libraries have closed, the company has removed all of its paywalls to make services free nationwide.
It works on browsers and mobile devices by showing either red or green rating icons next to news links on search engines and social media feeds. Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We need people to follow the advice of our medical experts so we can protect the NHS and save lives.
“But false or misleading information about coronavirus shared online could undermine our efforts.
“This very welcome move by Newsguard will give people a free and effective tool helping them access trustworthy news sources during these challenging times.”
Pro-russia media have been spreading disinformation about coronavirus with the aim of aggravating the crisis in the West, the European Union’s diplomatic service concluded.
An EU monitoring team collected 80 examples of disinformation from Russian sources in nearly two months up to 16 March.
Mr Dowden has previously called on social media users to do their bit in tackling coronavirus-related “fake news”, recommending that people adopt advice issued by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH).
CCDH, a non-profit group, said conspiracy theories being shared online include claims that Covid-19 is a biological weapon released by China.
Others pin the blame for the virus’s inception on 5G technology masts, according to their findings.
Anna-sophie Harling, managing director of Europe at Newsguard, said: “Now, more than ever, it is critical that users learn to distinguish between credible, official sources of information and purveyors of false, often dangerous misinformation.
“We’re proud to be able to play a part in the UK’S efforts to slow the pace of the Covid-19 outbreak and help the public to confidently navigate the never-ending landscape of online health information.”
Newsguard said no user data is collected from those who use the tools.
Examples of fake news surrounding Covid-19 include a widely circulated claim that people who can hold their breath for more than ten seconds do not have the virus.