Facebook Launches Messenger Chatbot to Share COVID-19 Information

By Press Release | Updated on 04-May-2020

04-May-2020

HIGHLIGHTS

Facebook users can start accessing the Corona Helpdesk Chatbot and reach out to the Ministry of Health.

Facebook users can start accessing the Corona Helpdesk Chatbot and reach out to the Ministry of Health for authentic news, official updates, precautionary measures and emergency helpline numbers through this Chatbot.

You can read the complete press release below

In yet another step by Facebook and its family of apps to help people have access to authentic information about Corona Virus or COVID-19, Facebook has launched Messenger Chatbot.

Together with the Ministry of Health and MyGov, Facebook has facilitated Corona Helpdesk Chatbot on Messenger to raise awareness, provide authentic and accurate information and bust fake news about Corona Virus.

The Chatbot has both English and Hindi language capabilities. To contact the Chatbot, users can go to the Facebook page on MyGov Corona Hub and then start a chat by typing ‘Get Started’, which will prompt them to either type in a query or choose from a list of frequently asked questions. Depending on the question, users will receive verified information in the form of a video, infographic or text. This combined effort by The Ministry of Health, MyGov and Facebook will help contribute to the safety and well-being while providing information from reliable and credible sources.

Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook India said, "In these difficult times, people are using our family of apps more than ever to stay connected with friends, family and communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the government across ministries with communications tools and resources to share timely, accurate information on the Corona Virus to keep people safe and informed. We will continue to do everything we can to help the country's efforts."