Taiwan’s Investigation Bureau is urging the public not to fall for COVID-19 disinformation spread by China.
The bureau said on Friday a large number of fake news stories concerning the virus has been circulating on social media in Taiwan. Investigations revealed that Chinese web users are disseminating inaccurate information on Facebook groups dedicated to fostering exchanges between Taiwan and China.
The bureau urged the public to be wary of tactics employed by Chinese web users. Some use fake Facebook accounts, others disguise themselves as Taiwanese citizens online.
The bureau accused China of using fake news templates to mislead the public and ramp up the spread of disinformation.
Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has asked prosecutors across Taiwan to set up a task force to crack down on disinformation about COVID-19. Those who fail to abide by relevant rules will be severely punished.