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IPFS News Link • Who-World Health Organization

WHO Initiative Would 'Promote Desired Behaviors' by Surveilling Social Media

• by michael nevradakis, ph.d.

The WHO's Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative claims "misinformation" has resulted in an "infodemic" that poses a threat — even in instances where the information is "accurate."

PRET has raised eyebrows, at a time when the WHO's member states are engaged in negotiations on two controversial instruments: the "pandemic treaty" and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).

The latest draft of the pandemic treaty contains language on how WHO member states would commit to "social listening." Under article 18(b), WHO member states would commit to:
Conduct regular community outreach, social listening, and periodic analysis and consultations with civil society organization and media outlets to identify the prevalence and profiles of misinformation, which contribute to design communications and messaging strategies for the public to counteract misinformation, disinformation and false news, thereby strengthening public trust and promoting adherence to public health and social measures.