What can you do if you get fake news on Covid-19?

Last updated on Jun 16, 2022

If someone is sharing fake news, there are several punishments they may face depending on the nature of the crime. For example, making up and sharing fake news on Covid-19 through Whatsapp can result in a person being punished under the law. Some other punishable offences are:

Publishing or circulating any statement, rumour or report which may cause fear or alarm to the public. Section 505(1) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 The punishment is jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine.
False alarm regarding a disaster Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 The punishment is jail time of up to 1 year or a fine.
Making a false claim for obtaining any relief, assistance, repair, reconstruction or other benefits consequent to disaster Section 52 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 The punishment is jail time of up to 2 years and a fine.
Forwarding fake news Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 The punishment is jail time of up to 1 year or a fine.

Although there are many sources of false information on Covid-19, the most reliable sources of information are the following sources:

Information available in a State government’s website is also an authentic source of information. For example, Delhi’s Department of Health website. 

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