The chatbot works off a short numerical menu.

The International Fact-checking Network (IFCN) (of The Poynter’s Institute) has launched a chatbot on WhatsApp to connect the platform’s users with over 80 fact-checking organisations worldwide and help identify if a pandemic-related content has been rated as false.

Users can access this by texting a “hi” to +1 (727) 2912606 that’s been saved in their contacts. Based on the user’s country code, the bot will connect them to independent fact-checkers closest to them.

Currently available in English, it will be launched in Hindi and Spanish soon. The app also allows users to submit information to fact-checkers that are local. Over 4,000 coronavirus-related hoaxes have been identified by fact-checkers from 74 countries globally.

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[3 minute read]

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