Twitter dismisses reports of bots being used by UK DHSC to manipulate virus conversations

Twitter on April 22 dismissed reports that its platform is being used by fake accounts to manipulate conversations around coronavirus outbreak. clarification from Twitter came after reports emerged that Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is allegedly using micro-blogging platform to change discourse on coronavirus with association of United Kingdom government. A spokesperson for company has w told press that re is evidence to support accusations. 

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accusation

accusation was first made by John O'Connell, a writer for website Far-Right Watch, who claimed that he has verified 128 such accounts. DHSC has also dismissed claims suggesting that it was t only wild but completely false. According to reports, DHSC has said that John O'Connell has provided evidence to support his claims, but Far-Right Watch writer says that he has evidence which he will publish slowly as he is currently concerned about legal protections that may follow. 

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Twitter has teamed up with global and state health ncies like World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Twitter in a statement had said, "Government entities that want to disseminate public health information will be permitted to promote ads on COVID-19. In case of COVID-19, we have put additional safeguards into place in order to facilitate sharing of trusted public health information and to reduce potential harm to users."

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On preventing manipulation on its platform, Twitter had said, "At present, we’re t seeing significant coordinated attempts to spread disinformation at scale about this issue. However, we will remain vigilant and have invested significantly in our proactive abilities to ensure trends, search, and or common areas of service are protected from malicious behaviors. As ever, those who eng in se practices will be removed from our service."

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