FaCov: COVID-19 Viral News and Rumors Fact-Check Articles Dataset

Abstract

COVID-19, which was first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, has spread to the rest of the world and is currently deemed a global pandemic. A flux of events triggered by a wide ranging set of factors such as virus mutations and waves of infections, imperfect medical and policy interventions, and vested interest driven political posturing all have created a continuous state of uncertainty and strife. In this verbile environment, misinformation and fake news thrive and propagate easily through the modern efficient all-pervading media and social media tools, resulting in an infodemic running its course in conjunction with the pandemic. In this work, we present a COVID-19 related dataset – FaCov – a compilation of fact-checking articles that examine and evaluate some of the most widely circulated rumors and claims concerning the coronavirus. We have collected articles from 13 very popular fact-checking sources, along with information about the articles and the vetted verity assigned to the claims being evaluated. We also share insights into the dataset to highlight and understand the major conversations and conflicts in narratives encompassing the pandemic.