UPDATED 17:02 EST / MARCH 24 2020

POLICY

Facebook’s Instagram, Pinterest launch new features to address coronavirus

Facebook Inc.’s Instagram and Pinterest Inc. today moved to address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on their users by releasing a number of new features, including a screen-sharing capability and tools for combating misinformation.

Instagram has added a co-watching option that allows a user to browse content together with contacts via video chat. The Facebook subsidiary is also releasing a set of stickers, graphics that can be overlaid on a photo, that encourage consumers to wash their hands and take other health precautions.

Instagram is pairing the front-end enhancements with additional measures to filter coronavirus misinformation. The service will stop recommending COVID-19 accounts not operated by health organizations and is set to remove “some” of the coronavirus content that currently comes up in the app’s Explore tab.

The changes mirror an update that Pinterest separately rolled out today to curb misinformation on its platform. The company has added a button for reporting false coronavirus posts and is banning ads that seek to exploit the pandemic. As an added step to ensure users receive accurate information, Pinterest now displays a banner across to its website that directs users to COVID-19 resources from the World Health Organization.

The major tech companies are each leveraging their respective strengths to contribute to the global fight against the coronavirus. Apple Inc. updated Siri this week to provide COVID-19 advice, while Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said on Twitter that the iPhone maker is working to source medical supplies for healthcare providers. Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos on Monday publicly detailed some of the steps the company is taking to deliver household staples to consumers staying home.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose sharply today, climbing more than 11.4% or 2,112.98 points for its biggest gain in 87 years. The rebound reflects investor anticipation around the massive stimulus bill currently being hammered out by the White House and Congress, which is expected to inject as much as $2 trillion into the U.S. economy

Tech stocks benefited from the market rebound. Apple and Microsoft closed 10% and 9% higher than where they were at the opening bell, respectively, while Facebook gained 8.7% and Google rose 7.2%.

Photo: Unsplash

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