As the death toll has passed 420, anxiety has been fueled by social media posts ranging from the bizarre to the malicious. Thailand is among countries where laws on social media posts have been toughened in recent years despite complaints from human rights groups that they could be used to target government opponents. China has long censored social media heavily and some critics say that may have delayed information on the emerging virus in Wuhan – and therefore potential countermeasures. Western social media companies are also stepping up action. Hong Kong police said a shopping mall security guard was arrested for spreading false news about infections.

Source: National Post February 04, 2020 10:52 UTC