SNP MP joins fight against coronavirus disinformation on social media

A senior SNP MP has joined a cross-party group of parliamentarians who are fighting back against coronavirus disinformation spread on social media.

SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald is among the MPs backing the Infotagion platform

Stewart McDonald, the Nationalists’ defence spokesman at Westminster, is encouraging members of the public to use Infotagion - a new, independent website which fact-checks some of the many rumours about the global pandemic.

The online platform is the brainchild of Tory MP Damian Collins and is supported by several peers and academics.

Infotagion is free to use, with members of the public asked to screenshot what appears to be disinformation on social media and send it to Infotagion, where it will be verified.

Its launch follows a declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that “infodemic” of disinformation about coronavirus was spreading rapidly around the world.

Examples include claims that drinking warm water every 15 minutes can stop you getting the virus, or that taking ibuprofen tablets accelerates the illness’s progress.

“Key to stopping the spread of coronavirus is the information that we all act upon,” Mr McDonald told The Scotsman.

“Although there is a wealth of official government and public health guidance, unfortunately the internet is awash with disinformation, conspiracy theories and outright lies. These can literally cost lives.

“Disinformation is itself a virus and we must all stop it spreading - often via Facebook, family or workplace WhatsApp groups or other outlets like blogs.

“That’s why I’m pleased to join other MPs, academics and anti-disinformation campaigners on the Infotagion project, where fake news is debunked and we do our best to keep the information space as uncontaminated as possible. It’s a small effort – the internet is a big place – but it’s an important one.

“If you see anything that makes claims contrary to what the World Health Organisation or our own public health bodies are saying, then do not spread it but instead report it to the platform you see it on.

“If there’s something you’re unsure about then you can submit the story or social media post to the Infotagion team who will verify its content and publish whether or not the story is true.”