Facebook users have noticed that the word “Coronavirus” is being automatically flagged on the platform as a violation of Community Standards.
Those who have posted the word “Coronavirus” into their personal Facebook status area have been promptly met with a warning that their post contains “misinformation that could cause physical harm.”
The platform then directs users to get their information from the World Health Organization.
“We encourage free expression,” the Facebook auto-response says, “but don’t allow false information about COVID-19 that could contribute to physical harm.”
The warning continues: “In some cases, this includes information that recognised health organisations say could mislead people about how to cure or prevent a disease or that could discourage people from seeking medical treatment. Get reliable, up-to-date information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the World Health Organization.”
