The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been monitoring 27 online accounts that have propagated fake news, most of which are misinformation about the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
NBI is careful in considering the fake news peddlers and has pointed out 3 reasons why miainformation is circulating online. One, some social media account users like what is called “15 minutes of fame” where the user would gather numerous likes and shares on their post. Second, users are obligated to share the information thinking that the content is legitimate, and third, some users see the content as jest.
The agency ensures that they are applying due process on individuals caught spreading fake news.
The owners of social media accounts, if found liable, will be charged with violation of Article 154 or the unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances under the revised penal code in relation to the Cyber Crime Prevention Act that has a penalty of 6 to 12 years of imprisonment.
Authorities reiterate proper verification of any information found online before sharing to avoid creating unnecessary panic to the public.
