This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched Verified, a digital initiative aimed at increasing the volume and reach of trusted, accurate information surrounding the COVID-19 crisis.
According to the UN chief, misinformation spreads online, in messaging apps, and person-to-person, and its creators use savvy production and distribution methods. To counter it, scientists and institutions like the United Nations need to reach people with accurate information they can trust.
Verified will create a cadre of 'digital first responders' who will provide information around three themes: science – to save lives; solidarity – to promote local and global cooperation; and solutions – to advocate for support for populations that have been impacted by COVID-19.
The initiative will also promote recovery packages that tackle the climate crisis and address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and hunger. People across the world are encouraged to sign up as 'information volunteers' with Verified, to share trusted content and keep their families and communities safe and connected.
Verified will be headed by the UN Communication department, led by Melissa Fleming, who stated that there are disturbing efforts to exploit the crisis to advance nativism or to target minority groups, which could worsen as the strain on societies grows and the economic and social fallout kicks in.
People can sign up to be 'information volunteers' or to read more about the project in nine languages at https://shareverified.com/en.
