Reuters has launched a new Portuguese-language fact-checking channel on WhatsApp, allowing WhatsApp users in Brazil to access verified content from Reuters. The fact-checking tipline launch comes days before the second-round vote for Brazil’s president, happening October 30, 2022, and will allow WhatsApp users to submit content they believe could be misinformation for verification.
WhatsApp users in Brazil can interact with the Reuters Fact Check channel by messaging (+55) 11 91599-9278 (https://wa.me/5511915999278) with the information they would like verified by Reuters. Users will then receive Reuters content that gives accurate information and relevant context to their queries. The channel is available 24/7 and is powered by an automated chatbot.
“Reuters Fact Check is committed to reducing potentially inaccurate and harmful misinformation, especially in the critical period leading up to an election. Our WhatsApp tipline in Brazil is a timely initiative with Meta as Brazilians prepare to return to the polls for the runoff presidential election. We look forward to utilizing WhatsApp’s messaging platform to deliver on the need for verified and accurate information to help people make informed decisions,” said Stephanie Burnett, Reuters Digital Verification Editor.
“We’re excited to welcome Reuters to our list of official fact-checking WhatsApp accounts in Brazil. The Reuters Fact Check tipline will enable more people to have access to reliable information about the elections, easily and for free, directly on WhatsApp,” says Dulce Ramos, Strategic Partner Development Manager for Latin American News outlets at Meta.
The Brazilian-Portuguese WhatsApp channel is Reuters’ latest fact-checking initiative. Since 2020, Reuters has partnered with several major technology platforms on initiatives to combat misinformation, including fact-checking of social media content in countries on four continents in five languages. The Brazilian Portuguese WhatsApp tipline follows the launch of Spanish-language WhatsApp channels in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the launch of fact-checking content on Facebook and Instagram in Brazil.
For more information about Reuters Fact Check, visit https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/about.
Media contact:
Heather Carpenter
heather.carpenter @ tr.com