LONDON (AP) – Facebook is adding informational labels to vaccine posts as it expands efforts to contain the COVID-19-related misinformation that flourishes on its platforms.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a blog on Monday that the labels will contain “reliable information” about World Health Organization vaccines. They will be in English and in five other languages, with more languages added in the coming weeks.
“For example, we are adding a label to posts that discuss the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, noting that COVID-19 vaccines undergo safety and efficacy tests before they are approved,” said Zuckerberg.
The social network is also adding a tool to help vaccinate users, connecting them to information about where and when they can get vaccinated.
Facebook and Instagram were criticized for allowing the spread of anti-vaccination advertising and for being terribly slow in eliminating misinformation, often with checking facts, labels and other restrictive measures.