‘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.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

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

Disney, Warner Bros to offer streaming bundle of Disney+, Hulu and Max
Ascension warns of suspected cyberattack; clinical operations disrupted
Mexico's Megacable, Nokia announce successful data transmission test in connectivity plan
Airbnb forecasts weaker Q2 revenue despite robust demand for international travel
Arm's annual revenue forecast fails to impress investors; shares tumble
Bumble revenue beats estimates on paying users strength, shares jump
Microsoft to shut Africa development centre in Nigeria
Music streaming firms urge European Commission to reject Apple's proposal in App Store case
Nigeria rejects Binance CEO's bribery claim as 'diversionary tactic'
Legislative roadmap for AI is coming in weeks, Schumer says

Others Also Read