Instagram is making changes to help prevent the spread of fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will be showcasing useful information for prevention against the COVID-19 coronavirus such as providing users with local government information about the outbreak.
To help people get relevant and up-to-date resources, we will start showing more information from @WHO and local health ministries at the top of Instagram’s Feed in some countries. pic.twitter.com/czAHYItlEx
— Instagram Comms (@InstagramComms) March 13, 2020
Instagram is also taking measures and will alert users when content about COVID-19 is reported false by fact-checking agencies.
An Instagram representative told TechCrunch that AR filters related to the virus is not allowed on Instagram. The company notes that it could offend users who have the virus and misinform people. TechCrunch also mentions that Snapchat is taking similar measures.
