Coronavirus Hoaxes Jump 10-Fold: Govt
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4 March 2020 06:58 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate said the spread of false information or hoaxes related to the coronavirus continued to increase on social media following the announcement of the first COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. The latest data showed a total of 667 URLs containing false information about the virus circulated in the public.
“Hoaks are found on almost all social media platforms, even through website pages. Many are circulated via WhatsApp Group,” said Johnny on Tuesday, March 3, at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta.
According to the minister, the number jumped by ten-fold when compared to the data per February 2020 amounting to 60 hoaxes.
Therefore, Johnny asserted that his ministry was collaborating with various platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to take down content filling with false news. To anticipate further distribution, the ministry set to mobilize the Cyber Drone team to patrol in cyberspace.
Additionally, Johnny demanded local public security and order unit (Kamtibmas) and the police to take action if they find alleged hoax spreaders in the field. He claimed to have met with the National Police to discuss the necessary steps.
Johnny further appealed to the public not to be easily fallen to the coronavirus hoaxes. “[False news] is detrimental to oneself, family, community, nation, and state,” the minister underlined.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
