Facebook To Remove Content With Misinformation About Coronavirus

Facebook said it will remove misinformation content related to the coronavirus outbreak from its platforms.

The company said in a blog post on Thursday it will start taking down content across Facebook and Instagram that contains "false claims or conspiracy theories" that leading global health authorities deem harmful to people who believe them. It said it's particularly focusing on claims that discourage treatment, including "claims related to false [coronavirus] cures ... like drinking bleach."

Facebook said it's been working with health experts to help users access accurate and up-to-date information about the virus. It's also providing free advertising to help organizations "run coronavirus education campaigns ... in affected regions."

The move comes after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global health emergency. Google and Twitter have also recently stepped up efforts to direct users to credible sources when looking up information on the epidemic.

Contains footage from CNN.