Facebook Launches MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot on Messenger

Facebook has launched a new chatbot on Messenger to share authentic coronavirus information and raise awareness.

Facebook users can get authentic information and updates from the chatbot.

(Photo: AP /Jenny Kane)

Social media giant Facebook on Friday launched a chatbot on Messenger to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation on its family of apps.

Facebook created the Corona Helpdesk Chatbot on Messenger with the help of the Ministry of Health and MyGov to raise awareness, provide authentic and accurate information and bust fake news about Coronavirus.

The chatbot can be accessed at https://www.messenger.com/t/MyGovIndia

Facebook users can start accessing the Corona Helpdesk Chatbot and reach out to the Ministry of Health for authentic news, official updates, precautionary measures, and emergency helpline numbers through this Chatbot. The chatbot will also suggest the Do's and Don'ts to prevent the spread of the virus.

The chatbot comes at a time when the spread of misinformation is rampant, especially on popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp.

The government has also declared that spreading misinformation and fake news on social media platforms like WhatsApp could land you a prison sentence for three years. In such an environment, the arrival of yet another chatbot from Facebook is a welcome move.

Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook India said, "In these difficult times, people are using our family of apps more than ever to stay connected with friends, family, and communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the government across ministries with communications tools and resources to share timely, accurate information on the Corona Virus to keep people safe and informed. We will continue to do everything we can to help the country's efforts."

The Messenger chatbot is Facebook's second chatbot created in conjunction with the Government of India to curb the spread of misinformation on online platforms. It recently launched the MyGov Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp where, just like on Facebook and Messenger, users could receive accurate and verified information on Coronavirus.