YouTube verifies UK healthcare pros to fight misinformation
YouTube has introduced a verification system designed to aid UK-based doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals in combatting medical misinformation online, offering a shield for Britons seeking accurate health information.
In 2021, UK-based users accounted for over two billion views on health-related videos.
To combat misinformation, YouTube has introduced a seal of approval for accounts run by licensed healthcare practitioners, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and healthcare organizations. These individuals and entities must successfully pass rigorous verification checks.
Dr. Vishaal Virani, the Head of UK Health at YouTube, emphasized the importance of this initiative due to the significant number of Britons relying on the video-sharing platform for healthcare information.
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He stated, “Whether we like it or not, whether we want it or not, whether the health industry is pushing for it or not, people are accessing health information online. We need to ensure the content they consume is as reliable as possible when they embark on their online healthcare journey.”
The verification system began accepting applications from UK-based healthcare professionals with active medical licenses in June. Accounts that applied are now receiving YouTube’s mark of authenticity for their videos.
This verification system aims to make it effortless for users to discern if the information originates from a qualified healthcare professional.
Prospective health content creators must undergo a thorough, multi-step verification process, conducted in collaboration with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the National Health Service (NHS).
Verification is not granted to health creators whose previous YouTube videos have contained medical misinformation.
NAN
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