Citing Medical Misinformation, Social Sites Ban Hydroxychloroquine Video

The video was circulated by a conservative political website, and featured advocates of the controversial drug, some of whom were doctors.

By Shelly BrisbinJuly 30, 2020 11:50 am, ,

A viral video promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 had attracted more than 20 million views this week before Twitter, Facebook and YouTube all pulled it from their platforms, saying the video spread misinformation about the coronavirus. Despite the companies’ actions to stop it, the video continues to circulate on Facebook-owned WhatsApp and other social sites.

Tech expert Omar Gallaga told Texas Standard’s Joy Díaz that the video was circulated by the conservative website Breitbart. It features a group calling itself “America’s Frontline Doctors” speaking about the medication on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Hydroxychloroquine has not been found to be an effective treatment for COVID-19. Earlier this month the Food and Drug Administration banned its use outside a hospital setting or clinical trial.

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– How President Donald Trump and his son remain involved in promoting hydroxychloroquine

– Why social media platforms banned the video

– How the video’s creators have reacted

If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thanks for donating today.