Iconic Labs launches Covid fake news tool

(Sharecast News) - New media and technology company Iconic Labs announced on Monday that, in partnership with Damian Collins MP - former chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, who also led the inquiries on disinformation and fake news - has established 'Infotagion: Covid-19'.
The London-listed firm described Infotagion: Covid-19 as an independent online and social media expert fact checking service to combat disinformation about the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and its related economic and social effects, that were being spread via social media.

It said the service was being provided on a not-for-profit basis.

The aim of Infotagion was to combat fake news, which Iconic said could cause misinformation and panic, and potentially cause governments and health services to divert resources away from where they were needed most.

Backers of Infotagion so far included a cross party group of current and former parliamentarians, members of the House of Lords, and a range of campaigners, academics and celebrities from across the world.

The service was completely free to access, Iconic confirmed.

"Social media is proving to be a very powerful and important asset to our communities in the current crisis," said chief business officer Liam Harrington.

"In particular it provides one of the most effective means by which people can maintain essential interaction with others, and preserve communities, during this period of social distancing and isolation."

However, Harrington said there was another side in that social media was one of the primary forums in which disinformation, whether circulated innocently or deliberately, was prevalent.

"We are therefore very pleased to be able to play a role in helping to counter disinformation about the current Covid-19 pandemic by bringing our expertise and skills to bear on the problem."

John Quinlan, chief executive officer, added that at a time where people were being able to volunteer to help where they could, the company was "delighted" to be able to use its skills and contacts where they would be most useful.

"For Infotagion to have received such widespread support and backing so quickly is really encouraging and hopefully it will be able to help the authorities and the public at this challenging time."

At 1507 GMT, shares in Iconic Labs were down 37.24% at 0.018p.