Covid-19: Whatsapp chatbot launched by International Fact Checking Network to fight misinformation

Team Udayavani, May 7, 2020, 2:49 PM IST

International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) launched a WhatsApp chatbot to address the challenge of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chatbot will allow users to easily fact-check a piece of content about the Covid-19. It relies on information supplied by over 100 independent fact-checkers in more than 70 countries. The chatbot is free to use and users can use the chatbot either bsaving +1 (727) 2912606 as a contact number and texting the word “hi.” Alternatively, they can click on http://poy.nu/ifcnbot that does not require one to save the chatbot’s number to their phonebook

Once they have texted “hi” to the bot, sending “1” prompts a new message from the chatbot that asks them to enter the keyword or a short sentence of their query. You can type in any keyword and the chatbot will respond with relevant information.

The chatbot identifies a user’s country (by checking their mobile country code), and provides them with information that has been fact-checked by an organization that is closest to them. It also shares general tips to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

WhatsApp chatbots is an effective tool to help users get proper information.  Already, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Indian government have launched chatbots for the coronavirus.