LUSAKA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Zambia said they intend to embark on a crackdown against people spreading false information concerning the COVID-19, the country's information and communication regulator said on Friday.
False information regarding the pandemic have flooded various social media platforms in the southern African nation.
The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) said the circulation and publications of falsehood with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public was an offense under the country's laws.
Ngabo Nakonde, the regulator's Corporate Communication Manager said the regulator will collaborate with other government agencies to ensure all those breaking the law by circulating false information on COVID-19 on social media platforms were brought to book.
She said combating COVID-19 requires concerted efforts of everyone hence the need for everyone to come on board and use social media wisely.
Government spokesperson Dora Silliya expressed concern over the increasing use of social media to spread false information concerning the pandemic.
Zambia has so far recorded two cases of the COVID-19.
