Coronavirus: Twitter introduces labels, warnings based on 3 categories to fight misleading COVID-19 content
'While false or misleading content (on COVID-19) can take many different forms, we will take action based on three broad categories,' Twitter said
FollowBengaluru: In its fight against misinformation on coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Twitter Inc has introduced new labels and warning messages based on three broad categories.
On Monday (May 11), Twitter said it is making it easy for the users to find credible information on its platform.
Also read: Facebook launches new feature to combat COVID-19 misinformation
“In serving the public conversation, our goal is to make it easy to find credible information on Twitter and to limit the spread of potentially harmful and misleading content. Starting today, we’re introducing new labels and warning messages that will provide additional context and information on some Tweets containing disputed or misleading information related to COVID-19,” the company said in a blog post.
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It added, “While false or misleading content can take many different forms, we will take action based on three broad categories:
“Misleading information — statements or assertions that have been confirmed to be false or misleading by subject-matter experts, such as public health authorities.
“Disputed claims — statements or assertions in which the accuracy, truthfulness, or credibility of the claim is contested or unknown.
“Unverified claims — information (which could be true or false) that is unconfirmed at the time it is shared.”
Explaining how they will identify tweets that spread misinformation, Twitter said, “Our teams are using and improving on internal systems to proactively monitor content related to COVID-19. These systems help ensure we’re not amplifying Tweets with these warnings or labels and detecting the high-visibility content quickly. Additionally, we’ll continue to rely on trusted partners to identify content that is likely to result in offline harm. Given the dynamic situation, we will prioritize review and labeling of content that could lead to increased exposure or transmission.”
Twitter said its aim was to help users find credible and authentic information. “Serving the public conversation remains our overarching mission, and we’ll keep working to build tools and offer context so that people can find credible and authentic information on Twitter.”
