Although Google may not assist in finding a cure for coronavirus – the search giant is certainly doing its part to keep the internet users informed regarding the health epidemic.
Initially, Google activated the SOS Alert tab in all web searches related to the coronavirus. They have now also included the latest news regarding the illness along with tips and a knowledge panel that explains how to deal with the condition.
Direct links to the WHO website are also present on the Search results.
Meanwhile, on YouTube, Google is providing ad space to government and health organizations in affected areas. It is also working on ways to add helpful local information on Google Maps. However, detailed information for the integration with Maps is not available as of yet.
Google has also banned apps that offer misleading or harmful health information.
Read next: Social media plays its part: Steps in to prevent misinformation about coronavirus
Initially, Google activated the SOS Alert tab in all web searches related to the coronavirus. They have now also included the latest news regarding the illness along with tips and a knowledge panel that explains how to deal with the condition.
Direct links to the WHO website are also present on the Search results.
Meanwhile, on YouTube, Google is providing ad space to government and health organizations in affected areas. It is also working on ways to add helpful local information on Google Maps. However, detailed information for the integration with Maps is not available as of yet.
"Our Trust and Safety team has been working around the clock and across the globe to safeguard our users from phishing, conspiracy theories, malware and misinformation, and we are constantly on the lookout for new threats.", announced Sundar Pichai CEO of Google and Alphabet in a blog post. Adding further, "On YouTube, we are working to quickly remove any content that claims to prevent the coronavirus in place of seeking medical treatment. On Google Ads we are blocking all ads capitalizing on the coronavirus, and we’ve blocked tens of thousands of ads over the last six weeks."Google claims that it is working in collaboration with the WHO to eradicate theories and misinformation from being circulated on the media. It is blocking all ads that are trying to exploit the outbreak and helping WHO and other officials run useful ads that would assist the internet users.
Google has also banned apps that offer misleading or harmful health information.
Read next: Social media plays its part: Steps in to prevent misinformation about coronavirus
