Twitter to improve 5G and Covid-19 labelling as unrelated tweets get flagged

Earlier this month, Twitter started placing fact check labels for tweets that mentioned 5G and Covid-19 together. This was done to curb the fake news and spreading of misinformation on the internet. As per some previous reports, users tried to burn 5G in the city, thinking that 5G connectivity actually amplifies the spread of Covid-19 virus. But as soon as this labelling was introduced, users were quick to show how Twitter labeled even the most common tweets that had no information in them but a mere mentions of 5G and Covid-19. Now, the microblogging website states that it will soon improve the mislabelling issue.

In the post, Twitter not just said that it is working on improving this but also apologised if it caused any confusion. The website added that it may also use labels with links for additional context and information.

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For now, the label is a clickable one that leads the user straight to fact-checking organisations and government agencies who have debunked the theory. It is titled ‘Get the facts about Covid-19’.

“Last month, we announced that we are introducing new labels and warning messages to provide additional context and information on some Tweets containing disputed or misleading information related to Covid-19,” the firm confirmed in a statement to Business Insider. It was added that the microblogging website will likely remove most of those tweets that include “a call to action that could potentially cause harm”.

Just to get the facts straight:

- 5G does not cause Covid-19.

- 5G networks use radio waves to transmit data.

- The coronavirus is spread by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

- The coronavirus DOES NOT travel through radio waves.

Twitter started fact checking for the first time last month with US President, Donald Trump’s tweet.