WhatsApp fact-checking bot lets you text news to find out if it’s FAKE – how to use it

WHATSAPP has launched a fact-checking chatbot that will reveal if you've been reading fake news.

You can submit stories that you're suspicious about – and actual fact-checkers will tell you if it's a hoax or not.

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According to WhatsApp, more than 4,000 hoaxes related to coronavirus have been unearthed.

That's thanks to the work of more than 80 fact-checking organisations from 74 countries.

The new free chatbot uses a constantly-updated database of hoaxes to help users check for fake news.

"Billions of users rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with their friends and families every month," said Baybars Orsek, director at the IFCN.

"Since bad actors use every single platform to disseminate falsehoods, to mislead others during such troubling times, fact-checkers’ work is more important than ever.

"Since January, IFCN’s CoronavirusFacts Alliance has been utilizing the capacity of the fact-checking community to help users to sort truth from fiction by debunking falsehoods around the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The IFCN chatbot will allow users to search for fact checks and get connected with fact-checkers in their countries from their smartphones.

"The chatbot will also serve as a way to direct people to their local fact-checkers’ websites."

First, users need to add the number +1 (727) 2912606.

The chatbot then works out which country you're texting from, via your mobile country code.

And you'll be told what your closest fact-checking organisation is. A link to the fact-checker's website is also provided.

The bot works using a numerical menu, so you can text numbers to navigate through it.

You can submit pieces of information for review, or find out about hoaxes circulating in your area.

Of course, you'll only be able to find out about hoaxes that have already been rated as "false" by fact-checkers.

If you've uncovered a brand new hoax, you'll need to wait for fact-checkers to review it – which could take some time.

"WhatsApp recently provided a grant to Poynter’s IFCN to support the valuable work of its verified signatories around the world in combating COVID-19 misinformation," said WhatsApp's Ben Supple, who heads up public policy and elections.

"We are very pleased to now be able to support IFCN’s essential fact-checking work with the launch of this important service for WhatsApp users.

"There are now more than 40 IFCN-verified fact-checkers around the world that are using the WhatsApp Business app to debunk coronavirus hoaxes for citizens in their respective countries."

The UK Government recently teamed up with WhatsApp to launch a coronavirus information chatbot.

All of the information is UK Government-verified, in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus conspiracy theories.

To use the service, simply add 07860 064422 into your phone contacts.

Then just message the word “hi” in a WhatsApp message to launch the chatbot.

Facebook and WhatsApp have been pouring money and resources into helping to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

WhatsApp recently donated $1million to fight fake news around the coronavirus crisis.

The Facebook-owned chat app is handing the cash to the Poynter Insitute’s International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

The IFCN supports more than 100 local organisations in at least 45 countries.