We must fight fake news on coronavirus

▶ Misinformation on the disease has sprung up on social media, causing panic and confusion

There is much about coronavirus that remains mysterious and unknown. Consequently, a plethora of conspiracy theories, half-truths and speculation have sprung up across social media and other digital-age information sources. The authenticity of information is already difficult enough to prove without fear further compounding one’s sense of uncertainty. For instance, many sources have propagated ideas about the virus originating from exotic foods or that it was manufactured in a laboratory. Wild theories are also being circulated about how to prevent or cure the coronavirus. Information that is not rooted in evidence is more than questionable. It is dangerous. As scientists and policymakers labour to establish better prevention, treatments and cures, it is imperative that authorities in virus-stricken nations do their best to inform the public and combat falsehoods.

In Asia, some places have taken a tough line on the subject. In Malaysia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong, at least 16 people have been arrested for posting false coronavirus-related information. Singapore has used its “fake news” law to force individuals to add disclaimers on questionable posts. It is critical to emphasise, however, that the most effective way to stop the spread of misinformation is to counter it with real information. In China, the country where the spread of the virus originated, public health officials have been lauded by the World Health Organisation for sharing relevant data with international organisations to bolster efforts at containment. Other countries, too, are now going to similar lengths to create an environment of public-health transparency. After Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman reported cases of coronavirus in people returning from pilgrimage in Iran, Gulf countries initiated steps to regulate travel within the region.

In Iran, transparency is crucial in saving lives and helping the country to draw the resources it needs to fight the disease. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said, “all nations, including Iran, should tell the truth about the coronavirus and co-operate with international aid organisations.” Whatever Tehran’s quarrels with the US, this is advice worth heeding. Authorities must also take care with the information in their hands. In Lebanon, the first case of coronavirus was detected this week, and the patient’s personal information divulged in the press and social media. This level of carelessness only exacerbates the danger to the public. Transparency does not preclude a responsibility to treat individuals with respect.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has acknowledged that if the coronavirus is a “potential pandemic”. To avoid such a scenario, we must refrain from giving in to panic – including intentional or unintentional propagation of misinformation. Instead, we should rely on the advice of healthcare professionals and verify suspicious claims by comparing them to that provided by established sources. When it comes to disease prevention and control, vigilance is about more than physical hygiene. Information hygiene is part of the solution, too.