Security takes action upon spread of “Coronavirus in Turkey” fake news on media

The General Directorate of Security has announced that posts containing unreal video and audio files about the sightings of the corona virus outbreak in Turkey shared by fake accounts on social media to prompt public fear and panic among citizens have been detected and attempts are started to take necessary steps about those persons involved.

Claims that the corona virus which originated in China and spread to many parts of the world, has been seen in Turkey and even caused loss of lives have spread rapidly on social media. Most recently, it was circulated that the virus had been allegedly seen in a patient at the Yedikule Hospital for Chest Diseases in Istanbul.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca made a statement about the claim, which spread rapidly on social media and announced that the diagnosis of the patient was not the new Corona virus.

Acting on fake audio, video recordings and visuals shared on social media, police have identified fake accounts where the shares had been made.

A statement from the General Directorate of police on the matter was as follows:

The General Directorate of Security Department of Cyber Crime is conducting Virtual Patrol activities online in order to identify the accounts that send posts on social media disrupting public order by creating fear and panic with insults and attacks on our national and spiritual values, social class, race, religion, creed, gender or regional differences. Necessary procedure has been started on individuals who share such messages to scare the public and these will be made available to the judicial authorities as soon as possible.