As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads,
another virus is infecting our lives -- misinformation.
Millions of people are being exposed to dangerous claims that COVID-19 doesn’t exist, or that a miracle cure has been found, or that the virus emerged as a result of a plot to destroy humanity or make profits.
A tsunami of hate, xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering has been unleashed.
This ‘infodemic’ is proliferating and potentially deadly.
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.
That is why we are launching ‘Verified’ - an initiative to share compelling, clear content, fact-based advice and stories highlighting the best of humanity.
With Verified, we can fight:
Lies and conspiracies with science and life-saving health advice;
Hate speech with solidarity;
Despair with hope;
And solutions for how to recover better.
Good communication saves lives.
