Observed Signal · Jul 28, 2020 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Platforms remove Breitbart COVID video after Trump retweet
A Breitbart video claiming COVID-19 cures and downplaying masks circulated across social platforms and was viewed millions of times. President Donald Trump and his son Donald Trump Jr. retweeted the clip. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube subsequently removed the video, citing violations of COVID-19 misinformation policies and false information about cures and treatments. The clip featured alleged scientists from America’s Frontline Doctors and asserted unproven remedies like hydroxychloroquine, contradicting WHO guidance. The platforms emphasized efforts to elevate authoritative information and curb misinformation, though criticism persisted about the speed of removal. Hopkins University data cited around 147,000 US COVID-19 deaths and over four million infections at the time. The incident sparked broader discussion about platform policy enforcement and the propagation of misinformation during the pandemic.
Policy update on misinformation enforcement by major platforms (Facebook/Meta) during COVID-19.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Breitbart video on coronavirus misinformation drew 14 million views on Facebook (per CNN).
- Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. retweeted the Breitbart clip.
- Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube removed the video for sharing false information about COVID-19 cures and treatments.
- The clip featured alleged scientists from America’s Frontline Doctors promoting unproven cures and downplaying masks.
- Hopkins University data cited: US COVID-19 deaths around 147,000 and infections over four million.
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