NHS takes action against coronavirus fake news online

The NHS has unveiled a package of measures in the battle against coronavirus fake news to help the public get easy access to accurate NHS information and avoid misinformation.

Working with Google, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, the NHS will continue to combat bad advice and misinformation about the virus in the media and online. To improve the way in which this is carried out, NHS England will work with Google to provide easy access to verified NHS guidance when someone searches for coronavirus, as well as introduce new Knowledge Panels – prominent pop out boxes of information – as part of Google search on mobile, to ensure it provides the public in the UK with easy access to NHS information about more than 250 health conditions, including coronavirus.

NHS England will also collaborate with Twitter to suspend a false account posing as a hospital and putting out inaccurate information about the number of coronavirus cases, and use Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to verify or ‘blue tick’ over 800 accounts belonging to NHS organisations including hospital trusts and local commissioning groups.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive said: “Ensuring the public has easy access to accurate NHS advice however they search for it, not only will support people to take the right action but will also help the country’s response to coronavirus. The NHS has already been battling coronavirus fake news, from working to take down false Twitter accounts to speaking out against misleading treatments being promoted by homeopaths online.

“It’s right that social media platforms and search engines take any action so they can help ensure the public are directed to NHS advice first. I would also like to personally thank all those NHS staff who are doing an incredible job caring for patients, testing thousands of worried people and taking calls from thousands more.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Today’s actions are another important step so members of the public can access reliable, accurate health information, which is more crucial than ever as we continue our response to coronavirus. These changes will ensure the latest trusted NHS guidance sits at the very top of Google search lists, so people can be reassured they are reading official, up-to-date government advice.

“Public safety is our top priority and we are harnessing digital tools to reach millions of people on more than 250 conditions they are searching for – including coronavirus – helping tackle misinformation and ensuring the public is well informed to take control of their health.”