ARTICLE 19 has published a briefing on how states, the media and social media companies can help to combat COVID-19 (coronavirus) by committing to transparency, tackling misinformation and promoting authoritative health advice. They also have a role to play in addressing hate speech directed at individuals of Chinese or Asian descent, connected to the coronavirus outbreak. The briefing states that the spread of COVID-19 across the globe has been matched by the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus. The brief concludes that the global effort to combat COVID-19 will not be successful unless there is full transparency about the spread of the virus, the sharing of accurate public information and independent media coverage. Governments, the media and social media companies all have a role to play in ensuring the free flow of information during this global health crisis. Read more here.
Source: ARTICLE 19