New project - Infotagion Covid-19

RNS Number : 0064I

Iconic Labs PLC

30 March 2020

 

30th March 2020

Iconic Labs Plc ("Iconic Labs" or the "Company")

New project - Infotagion Covid-19

Iconic Labs Plc (LSE:ICON) (the "Company"), a multi-divisional new media and technology business, is pleased to provide the following update.

Infotagion: Covid-19

The Company announces that, in partnership with Damian Collins MP, former Chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, who also led the inquiries on disinformation and fake news , it has established 'Infotagion: Covid-19'. Infotagion: Covid-19 is an independent online and social media expert fact checking service to combat disinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic and its related economic and social effects, that are spreading through social media.

This service is being provided on a not for profit basis and is supported by people who believe that in the age of information contagion we need to help the truth fight back against the virus. The aim of Infotagion is to combat fake news which can cause misinformation, and panic and potentially cause governments and health services to divert resources away from where they are needed most.

Backers of Infotagion so far include a cross party group of current and former parliamentarians, members of the House of Lords and a range of campaigners, academics and celebrities from across the world.

The service is completely free to access and its core message is, "If you see something that doesn't look right, check it on Infotagion or share it with us and we'll verify the facts from trusted sources of information."

The core of the service is a website ( www.infotagion.com ), designed by Lovegunn, an award-winning design agency,  on which users post screenshots of information which they have received from social media or elsewhere.  The submitted information is checked by a team organised by Mr Collins, including academic experts in identifying disinformation, and using the latest public health information provided by trust sources including from the UK parliament, governments and the WHO.  The website then gives "traffic light answers" as to whether the information is correct, and provides links to trusted information sources, such as WHO or government websites, and, in some cases, a short explanation.

The site should therefore provide an interactive, trusted source of information and  verification within the social media and wider communities. The Company will then use its extensive contacts within both the media and social media industry and among the influencer community to promote this source of accurate information for the benefit of all.

Liam Harrington, Chief Business Officer of Iconic Labs said: "Social media is proving to be a very powerful and important asset to our communities in the current crisis.  In particular it provides one of the most effective means by which people can maintain essential interaction with others, and preserve communities, during this period of social distancing and isolation.

"However, there is another side in that social medial is one of the primary forums in which disinformation, whether circulated innocently or deliberately, is prevalent. We are therefore very pleased to be able to play a role in helping to counter disinformation about the current Covid-19 pandemic by bringing our expertise and skills to bear on the problem."

John Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer of Iconic Labs said: "At a time where people are being able to volunteer to help where they can, we are delighted to be able to use our skills and contacts where they will be most useful. For Infotagion to have received such widespread support and backing so quickly is really encouraging and hopefully it will be able to help the authorities and the public at this challenging time. "

Damian Collins MP, said : "The spread of disinformation through social media is particularly dangerous, and so I am very pleased that David Sefton introduced me to John, Liam, Sam and the whole Iconic Labs team, whose background experience at UNILAD is exceptional, and who I believe can play a key role with the social media world and elsewhere online in helping to dispel disinformation and disseminate correct information."

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.  Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Iconic Labs Plc (LSE:ICON), is a multi-divisional new media and technology business set up by Liam Harrington, John Quinlan and Sam Asante. The initial focus is to expand the content platform, suite of digital brands, and technology products both organically and through acquisitions in addition to consultancy and agency services.

**ENDS**

For further information, please visit the Company's website  www.iconiclabs.co.uk  or contact:

Damon Heath

Shard Capital Partners LLP

Tel: [phone]

 

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