Thailand: Four held for fake news over coronavirus outbreak
Four more people were arrested for allegedly spreading fake news about the coronavirus outbreak, Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said on February 18.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta (Photo: bangkokpost.com)Bangkok (VNA) – Four more people were arrested for allegedly spreading fake news about the coronavirus outbreak, Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said on February 18.
One suspect was arrested in Bo Win of Chon Buri's Si Racha district, the second in Chachoengsao's Ban Pho district, the third in Chiang Mai's Muang district, and the fourth in Nan's Pua district.
According to Buddhipongse, his ministry was closely monitoring the internet and social media for fake news, and will take immediate legal action against anyone found spreading unsubstantiated claims.
Penalty for disseminating fake news via a computer system, according to the Computer Crime Act, can result in up to seven years in jail and/or a fine of 140,000 THB (4,488 USD).
Separately, a government board set up to deal with fake news has resolved to form two panels to support its Anti-Fake News Centre because controlling the spread of fake claims is overwhelmingly complex. One of the new panels will provide academic support to the centre, while the second will analyse reports and screen them for factual errors, the minister said.
Thailand has reported 35 COVID-19 cases so far, and the number of patients making full recovery is now 17./.
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