Staff writer, with CNAThe Executive Yuan yesterday passed a draft amendment designed to toughen punishments for people who intentionally spread false information about animal diseases. Article 43 of the statute currently stipulates a fine of between NT$50,000 and NT$1 million, but is not clear on repeat offenses. However, those who unintentionally spread false information because they thought it might be true would be exempt from punishment, because “they lack intent,” Deputy Minister of Agriculture Chen Tain-shou (陳添壽) told a news conference after the weekly Cabinet meeting. This includes putting disease prevention warnings on packages and the personal information of advertisers, sellers and buyers, the bill states. “This is a critical moment, so we must ensure watertight prevention of animal diseases in order to protect our industries and safeguard our people’s livelihoods,” Su said.

Source: Taipei Times June 27, 2019 15:56 UTC