UN launches new initiative to fight COVID-19 misinformation
The UN launched a new initiative to fight COVID-19 misinformation. The project is called Verified, and it aims at providing fact-based verified content. By doing so, Verified expects to promote the spread of accurate information online. UN Secretary-General António Guterres explained: “Misinformation spreads online, in messaging apps and person to person. Its creators use savvy production and distribution methods. To counter it, scientists and institutions like the United Nations need to reach people with accurate information they can trust.” Verified will cover three main themes: science, solidarity and solutions for populations that have been impacted by COVID-19. The initiative will rely on the work of “information volunteers”. They will receive a daily feed of verified content designed to be shared on social media platforms, containing compelling messages and they will share the content with their families and communities.