Big tech companies are working together to fight misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic.
Google, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube, Microsoft and LinkedIn said in a rare joint statement Monday they would be combating false information about the pandemic.
The companies said: "We're helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in coordination with government healthcare agencies around the world." They also urged other tech giants to join them.
The move comes after an alleged online disinformation campaign was launched to stoke fear over the pandemic. The Associated Press reported three unnamed officials said they had to take action against online activity sowing "fears of a nationwide quarantine."
The coronavirus pandemic has infected over 189,000 people around the world as of Tuesday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University.
