Audio By Carbonatix
Facebook has said it is running a fact-checking pilot in Nigeria to help stop the spread of fake news about coronavirus.
The social media giant says it will use its messaging app - WhatsApp - to help researchers gather misinformation and respond with accurate information.
It will also provide banner adverts to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to be used for coronavirus education campaigns on Facebook in Nigeria.
Fact-checking organisation AfricaCheck will be checking and debunking false claims made in local languages including Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.
These are part of measures the tech giant has put in place with some African governments to help stop inaccurate stories doing the rounds on its platforms, which also includes Instagram.
Other measures include prohibiting advertisements for products that imply they can cure or prevent coronavirus infections and a temporary ban advertisements selling medical face masks.
Latest Stories
-
Video: Newsfile panel debates use of Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet for presidential travel, CEOs travel ban
50 seconds -
TCDA introduces Conveyance Certificate System for tree crops transport from March 30, 2026
2 minutes -
Belle Yemofio wins International Design Award in Milan, earns Africa Golden Awards nomination
31 minutes -
GoldBod rejects allegations of inflated laptop procurement; labels as it as ‘complete falsehood’
51 minutes -
GoldBod refutes claims of sole-sourced office renovation contract
53 minutes -
Newsfile panellists surprise host Samson Lardy Ayenini with on-air birthday celebration
1 hour -
No dime should be asked from jobseekers, says Senyo Hosi on security recruitment
2 hours -
Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet use acceptable for presidential travel, provided transparency is maintained – Joe Jackson
2 hours -
It’s wrong and should not continue – Kofi Bentil on Mahama’s use of brother’s jet for official travel
2 hours -
Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup 2026 to begin on March 22 in Madina
3 hours -
Minority says electricity and water tariff cuts undermine IMF justification
3 hours -
If I were president, I wouldn’t sleep over youth unemployment – Senyo Hosi
3 hours -
5,000 security recruitment quota was negotiated with IMF – Inusah Fuseni claims
3 hours -
Security recruitment system designed for exploitation, claims Kofi Bentil
3 hours -
Domelevo urges swift action against officials implicated in Auditor-General’s report
3 hours