‘Infodemic’ risks jeopardising virus vaccines


More than 1.4 million people have died since the pandemic emerged in China late last year, but three developers are already applying for approval for their vaccines to be used as early as December. Beyond logistics, though, governments must also contend with scepticism over vaccines developed with record speed at a time when social media has been both a tool for information and falsehood about the virus. — Reuters

PARIS: As early as February, with the global pandemic spreading fast, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning about an “infodemic”, a wave of fake news and misinformation about the deadly new disease on social media.

Now with hopes hanging on Covid-19 vaccines, the WHO and experts are warning those same phenomena may jeopardise roll-out of immunisation programmes meant to bring an end to the suffering.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Misinformation , fake news , vaccine

   

Next In Tech News

China’s richest man berates PDD, ByteDance for months of misery
WhatsApp rolling out transcription for voice messages in multiple languages
The sky's the limit for Bluesky
Two decades of Nintendo's top-selling DS console
ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode is coming to web browsers
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Bitcoin's wild ride toward $100,000
OpenAI considers taking on Google with browser, the Information reports
One tech tip: How to get started with Bluesky
FCC proposes fining Chinese video doorbell manufacturer after security concerns raised

Others Also Read