Is sharing Covid-19 information on social media a punishable offence?

Hyderabad: A WhatsApp forward claims that sharing information related to Covid-19 on social media is a punishable offence.

Amidst the spurt in Covid-19 cases in China and across the globe, the WhatsApp message claims that you can face legal trouble for sharing messages about to the virus.

"Sharing COVID-related posts on social media has been declared a punishable offence by the government. Only government agencies can share information related to the disease. An FIR will be registered under the IT Act against the WhatsApp group admin and all the members if they share any misleading post or message," the viral message read.

Did the Government of India make any such announcement?

FACT CHECK

PIB has refuted the claim. While posting messages relating to Covid-19 has not been declared a punishable offence, it said sharing accurate and reliable information on a serious issue like Covid-19 is of utmost importance. Be a responsible citizen and share only correct information, it added.

While the government has been taking several measures to fight the spread of Covid-19, it has not said those sharing information about the virus will be punished.

Amid the pandemic, it is time to show cooperation and patience and fight it together. Lastly, "This too shall pass."

Hence, the claim stands false.