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Digital Planet: WhatsAppening with pandemic misinformation?

Factual: Science & Nature

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18/05/2021 GMT

WhatsAppening with pandemic misinformation?

BBC World Service - Digital Planet, WhatsAppening with pandemic misinformation?

More than a 100million people worldwide have shared Covid-19 misinformation online

Covid-19 misinformation on Brazilian social media; Also can you avoid AI facial recognition and AMD chip shortages causing PS5 delays

More than 100 million people worldwide have interacted with Covid-19 misinformation since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a new study in PLOS One. We speak to Professor David Nemer, from the University of Virginia, to explain the impact of social media misinformation in Brazil – What’s App’s number one market.  As he tells Gareth Mitchell, Covid myths and untruths are spread easily with no consequences to those behind the lies.

Tracking your face online
Dr Stephanie Hare joins live to discuss the implications of AI facial recognition site, PimEyes, affecting privacy and safety. The current lack of regulation allows such software to be used by anyone – and means we are likely to see more services like this emerge in the near future – but are there steps individuals can take to stop AIs recognising their face?

Why PS5 is still out of stock
The pandemic has had wide reaching impacts on the manufacture of computer chips, leading to a shortage of the component used in many devices. This means that 6 months since the release of the PS5 many consumers are still waiting for a device – but that is just one product – cars, mobile devices, and even the 5G roll out are also impacted, with their production delayed.

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The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Ghislaine Boddington

Studio Manager: Nigel Dix
Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz

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