Messaging app chat groups in SG a catchment for Covid-19 misinformation on ivermectin, vaccines


By Ang QingGena Soh

Visitors using their smartphones at the Rain Vortex indoor waterfall feature at the Jewel Changi Airport mall in Singapore. Checks by The Sunday Times found at least 17 Telegram groups and channels spreading Covid-19 misinformation. — Bloomberg

SINGAPORE: Editorial content producer Theophila Toh, 24, is on a mission: to connect with those in anti-vaccination messaging groups and address fake news there.

She was inspired after a 65-year-old woman was hospitalised on Oct 1 after taking ivermectin – a drug used to treat parasite infections – on the advice of her church friends who said it could protect her against Covid-19.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

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!
   

Next In Tech News

Britannica didn’t just survive. It’s an AI company now
'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
What is (or was) 'perks culture’?
South Korean team develops ‘Iron Man’ robot that helps paraplegics walk
TikTok's rise from fun app to US security concern
Musk, president? Trump says 'not happening'
Jeff Bezos says most people should take more risks. Here’s the science that proves he’s right
Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains – and bots
How tech created a ‘recipe for loneliness’
How data shared in the cloud is aiding snow removal

Others Also Read