YouTube offers $5 million to Pakistan as social media vow to raise coronavirus awareness

YouTube, the world’s biggest online video-sharing platform, will give Pakistan $5 million in advertisement grants to spread awareness about the coronavirus.

 
Addressing a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, YouTube Chief Executive Officer Susan Wojcicki explained about the work “Google and YouTube have been doing to support Pakistan’s citizens and businesses through this difficult time”.

 
The video-sharing platform, which turned 15 this year, has become a popular digital place for people as visitors search to learn about work, science, iterature, health and business through posted as well as livestreamed messages, lectures and events.

 
Advertisements inserted in between videos are also a big avenue to reach out targeted audience and viewers.

 
Pakistan, a nation of over 200 million people and a large potential market for digital businesses, and YouTube have at times had a testy relationship. In 2012 the platform went offline in the country following complaints that it did not remove content Pakistanis deemed offensive to Islam. In 2016 the government lifted the ban following the launch of a local version of YouTube.

Now experts say coronavirus is being seen as a massive opportunity for tech companies and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to show that they care about public health at this time of global pandemic.

For example, Facebook, one of the most popular social media platforms, has launched “Coronavirus (COVID-19) information hub for media.”

“At Facebook, we’re working to keep people safe and informed about the recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We know that for our media partners, it’s more important than ever to stay connected with people in the communities you serve. This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone in the world. We hope you’re staying safe and we’re committed to supporting you,” the tech giant says in its intro to the page, which lists links to the latest World Health Organization guidelines and health tips.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently underlined the platform’s potential to serve the people in the time of pandemic.

“Better data can help governments determine where to send resources such as ventilators and personal protective equipment — and eventually which areas are safe to start opening up again,” he wrote in an Washington Post opinion piece.

Twitter also provides link to resources available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and hashtag coronavirus generates a large number of tweets every day on the latest developments.

In the letter, YouTube leader says the tech companies are helping local authorities in the country spread information about the coronavirus through information panels and alerts.

Besides, Google has also launched a microsite which will appear when anyone searches for coronavirus. The website draws its content from the government’s Covid-19 portal, it adds.

But the social media sites have also the gigantic responsibility to prevent their platforms from misuse by malevolent characters. In addition,  several conspiracy theorists have posted a number of misleading information that can provoke all kinds of reactions and attitudes.

A Cable News Network report Saturday said despite committing to get rid of false information, many social media companies are struggling to stem the flow of false claims about the pandemic.

YouTube acknowledges in the letter that says the online platforms are also combating misinformation and online abuse by showing authoritative sources in top results.

“We will continue to quickly remove videos … that discourage people from seeking medical treatment or claim harmful substances have health benefits,” the letter says.
The tech giant offers to cooperate with the Pakistani government in creating a “credible and globally consistent digital policy and regulatory framework”.

Google has created Grow with Google Pakistan — containing resources for “all kinds of remote workers” and Teach from Home — containing resources for educators. It has also created other learning resources for children and professionals.

Google has also been publishing community mobility reports, using data collected through Google Maps. “We hope that the reports [on movement] can help public health officials in Pakistan, and governments elsewhere respond to the coronavirus,” it said.’