One of the biggest issues facing the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) globally is misinformation, with social media platforms suffering the most when it comes to dealing with this.

As such several tech firms are banding together in a bid to stop misinformation on their respective platforms with Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter and YouTube issuing a joint statement regarding their stance on the matter.

The aforementioned platforms and companies are also calling for other tech firms to do the same.

Joint Industry Statement from @Facebook, @google, @LinkedIn, @Microsoft, @reddit, @Twitter and @YouTube https://t.co/8H1XVFt2N0 pic.twitter.com/GGJdX7mFKb

— Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) March 17, 2020

This latest joint statement comes after officials at the White House held a meeting with several silicon valley companies last week, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Cisco and Twitter, asking them for assistance when it comes to fighting COVID-19 misinformation.

While we commend the effort, the recent statements and incorrect statements made by the US president does not seem to helping matters, and as such could prove to be one of the largest hurdles that these social media platforms face.

In terms of what steps companies will be taking moving forward, LinkedIn has told TechCrunch that it will make accurate COVID-19 information available to its users online, with Facebook (and Instagram) adding that it will have information cards appear on the sites that feature direct links to authorities like the World Health Organisation (WHO).

We’ve also seen Facebook take steps to freely post WHO ads on its platform in recent weeks, as well as remove any ads that feature misinformation about COVID-19 cures and remedies.

We’re hoping the other firms listed above, as well as the ones who choose to join them, take similarly strong positions on their platforms.