Facebook launches messenger chatbot to share authentic information on Covid-19

• Together with health ministry and MyGov, Facebook has facilitated Corona Helpdesk Chatbot on Messenger platform
• WhatsApp has also launched a helpline in partnership with the Ministry of Health and MyGov to raise awareness

Social media firm Facebook on Friday said it has launched a Messenger Chatbot to help people access authentic information about Covid-19 as well as bust myths and fake news around it. Messenger is Facebook’s direct messaging platform.

Together with the Ministry of Health and MyGov, Facebook has facilitated Corona Helpdesk Chatbot on the Messenger platform.

Facebook users can start accessing corona Helpdesk Chatbot and reach out to the Ministry of Health for authentic news, official updates, precautionary measures and emergency helpline numbers through this chatbot.

The chatbot https://www.messenger.com/t/MyGovIndia has both English and Hindi language capabilities. To contact the chatbot, users can go to the Facebook page on MyGov Corona Hub https://www.facebook.com/MyGovIndia/ and then start a chat by typing ‘Get Started’, which will prompt them to either type in a query or choose from a list of frequently asked questions.

Depending on the question, users will receive verified information in the form of a video, infographic or text. This combined effort by The Ministry of Health, MyGov and Facebook will help contribute to the safety and well-being while providing information from reliable and credible sources.

Ajit Mohan, vice president and managing director of Facebook India said, “In these difficult times, people are using our family of apps more than ever to stay connected with friends, family and communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the government across ministries with communications tools and resources to share timely, accurate information on the Corona Virus to keep people safe and informed. We will continue to do everything we can to help the country’s efforts.”

Recently, Facebook owned messaging platform WhatsApp also launched a helpline in partnership with the Ministry of Health and MyGov to raise awareness and answer questions about the COVID-19 pandemic.

WhatsApp users across the country can reach out to the Ministry of Health on +91 9013151515 for credible information and to verify any uncertain information on precautionary measures or treatment practices.