The government of Rio Grande do Sul, the Public Ministry (MP) and the Civil Police are investigating misinformation about the floods hitting the state. Fake news, fake profiles and online scams have proliferated on social media amid the tragedy in the state and are hindering the work of rescue teams.
Fake news has also generated instability among the population, according to the government. A task force between agencies is checking the information that circulates to share true content and hold those responsible for spreading false news accountable and punished.
The government established a direct channel with Meta, the company responsible for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, to evaluate and report profiles that create and amplify false or decontextualized content.
“In the midst of so much solidarity, profiteers use people’s sensitivity to scam people and spread fake news. This is regrettable. The government and Public Security and Justice bodies are united to identify, report and take appropriate measures so that these people are punished”, stated Governor Eduardo Leite.
The Civil Police investigates eight cases — such as the requirement for an invoice for donations, fines for rescue support vehicles, the need for a license to drive boats and jet skis in rescue operations and inspection of lunch boxes for the homeless.
The Public Prosecutor's Office removed profiles that spread false information and will hold the authors responsible in the civil and criminal spheres.
Source: CNN Brasil
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