Facebook provides the WHO with free ads about coronavirus outbreak

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced on Wednesday that the social network is giving the World Health Organization (WHO) free advertising for its coronavirus response and take down false claims about the virus.

Users who search for new about coronavirus on Facebook, will see a pop-up that directs them to the WHO or local health authority for the latest information on the flu-like virus outbreak. Those living in a country where the WHO has confirmed person-to-person transmission cases, will see that information in their News Feed.

In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg said that the WHO will obtain free ads and the social network will provide “millions more in ad credits” to other organizations as well.

He also said Facebook would remove any “false claims and conspiracy theories that have been flagged by leading global health organizations.”

“We’re also blocking people from running ads that try to exploit the situation — for example, claiming that their product can cure the disease,” the Facebook founder added.

Source: CNBC