LONDON: YouTube has introduced a verification system aimed at UK-based medical professionals to assist the public in avoiding medical misinformation online.
In 2021, UK users accounted for over two billion video views on health-related topics.
YouTube has now added a seal of approval to accounts managed by licensed doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare practitioners who have successfully completed rigorous verification checks to combat misinformation.
Dr Vishaal Virani, YouTube’s head of UK health, emphasized the significance of this new initiative for UK users, given the number of people accessing healthcare information through the platform.
Virani informed the BBC, “Regardless of our preferences, whether or not we desire it, and regardless of whether the health industry supports it or not, individuals are obtaining health information online.”
“We need to ensure that we do our best to provide rigor to the content they consume while embarking on their healthcare journey online.”
The verification process started accepting applications from UK-based healthcare professionals who possess an active medical license in June.
Accounts that applied for verification are now beginning to receive a mark of authenticity on their YouTube videos, making it easier for users to identify if the information comes from a qualified healthcare professional.
Potential health creators who submitted their accounts underwent a thorough, multi-step verification process in collaboration with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the National Health Service.
Health creators also had their previous videos scrutinized, and verification is not granted if any of their past uploads on YouTube contained medical misinformation. – dpa
Credit: The Star : News Feed
