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GOING VIRAL

YouTube’s coronavirus ‘fake news’ clips seen by MILLIONS – as quarter of top videos branded ‘misleading’

MISLEADING coronavirus clips are spreading like wildfire on YouTube, experts have warned.

More than a quarter of YouTube's most-viewed COVID-19 videos contain "misleading or inaccurate information", according to a new study.

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Experts have warned that factual coronavirus clips aren't as appealing as those created by influencers
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Experts have warned that factual coronavirus clips aren't as appealing as those created by influencersCredit: The Sun / YouTube

And these videos racked up tens of millions of views, potentially putting lives at risk.

Experts also warned that governments and health officials were struggling to compete with vloggers, influencers and conspiracy theorists on YouTube.

Researchers performed a search on March 21 using the keywords "coronavirus" and "COVID-19".

They then analysed the top 75 viewed videos from each search – ignoring duplicates, non-English clips, anything unrelated or exceeding one hour in duration.

Fake news is spreading online – while coronavirus death tolls soar
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Fake news is spreading online – while coronavirus death tolls soar

Shockingly, 28% of clips "contained non-factual information".

And these videos had racked up a mammoth 62million views at the time of the study.

"Over one-quarter of the most-viewed YouTube videos on COVID-19 contained misleading information, reaching millions of viewers worldwide," said Heidi Oi-Yee Li, of the University of Ottawa, who led the study published in the British Medical Journal.

"As the current COVID-19 pandemic worsens, public health agencies must better use YouTube to deliver timely and accurate information, and to minimise the spread of misinformation.

"This may play a significant role in successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic."

Experts say keeping YouTube free from COVID-19 misinformation could help keep the pandemic under control
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Experts say keeping YouTube free from COVID-19 misinformation could help keep the pandemic under control

Experts are now urging governments and health officials to collaborate with popular YouTube outlets to deliver appealing content.

This could help safe information and advice to attract the eyeballs of hard-to-reach viewers.

In a statement given to The Sun, YouTube said: "We're committed to providing timely and helpful information at this critical time.

"Including raising authoritative content, reducing the spread of harmful misinformation, and showing information panels, using NHS and WHO data, to help combat misinformation.

"We have clear policies that prohibit promoting medically unsubstantiated methods to prevent the coronavirus in place of seeking medical treatment.

What is YouTube doing to clean up fake COVID-19 news?

Here's what you need to know...

  • YouTube says it removes all content that violates its Community Guidelines
  • This includes banning videos that promote dangerous remedies or cures
  • It also includes videos that discourage people from seeking medical treatment, or disputes official WHO guidance
  • Any clips that claim coronavirus doesn't exist are also against YouTube's rules
  • The Google-owned website also says it actively promotes authoritative voices on the platform
  • Its systems are designed to prominently surface trusted sources, including experts and respected media outlets
  • There's also an official COVID-19 News Shelf on the homepage to deliver authoritative info to users
  • According to YouTube, harmful misinformation that doesn't violate the Community Guidelines makes up a fraction of 1% of what's watched on YouTube

"And we quickly remove videos violating these policies when flagged to us.

"Now any content that disputes the existence or transmission of COVID-19, as described by the WHO and the NHS, is in violation of YouTube policies.

"For borderline content that could misinform users in harmful ways, we reduce recommendations.

"We'll continue to evaluate the impact of these videos on communities around the world."

You should rely on official health organisations and governments for coronavirus advice
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You should rely on official health organisations and governments for coronavirus advice

Earlier this year, YouTube vowed to reduce the number of recommended videos spreading a false conspiracy theory that 5G caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

These dangerous clips racked up millions of views – while The Sun revealed how dozens of 5G masts were being attacked by brainwashed arsonists.

Terrifying video shows how quickly coronavirus can spread in a restaurant

In other news, Facebook is revealing if you've ever "interacted" with fake coronavirus news.

Instagram has revealed "memorial accounts" for dead users as the coronavirus death toll soars globally.

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And crooks are using dodgy coronavirus apps to scam unsuspecting victims.


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