Indian Government Fights Fake Coronavirus WhatsApp Messages, Launches 'MyGov Corona Helpdesk'

To battle the fake Coronavirus WhatsApp messages, as well as to help people gain access to factual information on the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government of India has unveiled the 'MyGov Corona Helpdesk' WhatsApp Chatbot for Indian citizens.

This chatbot has been created to help address all the queries around Coronavirus outbreak and is developed and implemented by Jio Haptik Technologies Limited, one of the world’s largest conversational artificial intelligence platforms and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).

One can access the chatbot by sending a Whatsapp message to the number +91 9013151515. The idea is to have the right information at the touch of a button while preventing the spread of this pandemic across the country by following basic hygiene practices.

This Chatbot has been developed by Jio Haptik for free of cost, and updated on real time, as per instructions from NeGD and MyGov (both under MEITY).

The real time updates will curb circulation of false information that can cause mass hysteria while educating the population about the present scenario. Equipped with verified data from the Ministry of Health, the chatbot can resolve FAQs pertaining to the novel coronavirus.

This includes necessary precautionary measures, symptoms, correct and incorrect facts, helpline numbers, affected cases in the region, Government advisories (including travel), informational videos, and so on.