Whatsapp launches coronavirus chatbot with World Health Organization
Whatsapp has launched a messaging service with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide users with the latest information about coronavirus.
The new chatbot, which has the potential to reach 2bn people, will ensure users are given news and information from trusted sources.
The service includes details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others.
It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real time, as well as travel advice and mythbusters.
The chatbot can be accessed through a link via desktop, or by adding +41 22 501 76 55 as a contact on the mobile app.
Users can simply type “hi” to start the conversation, which will prompt a menu of options that will answer questions about coronavirus.
It is one of a number of measures launched by Whatsapp owner Facebook to help ensure the global health authorities can provide the public with accurate information.
Social media firms have also been urged to ramp up their crackdown on misinformation during the coronavirus crackdown.
Twitter last week broadened its definition of harmful content and said it would ban any posts that contained misleading information about the pandemic.