UNITED NATIONS (UN) Launches a New Digital Initiative T​o Help Curb Fake News and Misinformation.

Factually, misinformation spreading via digital channels is impeding pandemic response and stirring unrest. Some misleading information have caused dozen of deaths and infection allover the world. Misinformation have led to negligence which have led to increased infection rate and at the end death.

On Thursday UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched Verified, which will create a cadre of “digital first responders” to increase the volume and reach of trusted, accurate information surrounding precisely Covid19 crisis.

“We cannot cede our virtual spaces to those who traffic in lies, fear and hate. 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.” The UN chief said.

Under Verified, information will be provided around three themes: science – to save lives; solidarity – to promote local and global cooperation; and solutions – to advocate for support for populations that have been impacted by COVID-19. The initiative will also promote recovery packages that tackle the climate crisis and address the root causes of poverty, inequality and hunger. 

People across the world are encouraged to sign up as “information volunteers” with Verified, to share trusted content to keep their families and communities safe and connected.

The volunteers – described as “digital first responders” – will receive a daily feed of verified content that will be optimized for sharing on social media platforms, containing simple yet compelling messaging that either directly counters misinformation with facts, or fills in any gaps.

Verified will partner with UN agencies and others, including influencers, civil society, business and media organizations, to distribute trusted, accurate content, while also working with social media platforms to root out hate and harmful information about COVID-19.

Verified will be headed by UN Communication department led by Melissa Fleming. “There are disturbing efforts to exploit the crisis to advance nativism or to target minority groups, which could worsen as the strain on societies grows and the economic and social fallout kicks in”, Melissa Fleming said.

People can sign up to be “information volunteers” or to read more about the project in nine languages at https://shareverified.com/en.