Fake News Spreading About 'Vaccinated High School Seniors Death'... Police "Strict Response"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] As fake news claiming that a high school senior who recently received the Pfizer vaccine died has been spreading on online communities ahead of COVID-19 vaccinations for adolescents, the police have taken a strict stance against it. ▶Refer to Asia Economy's September 29 report '[Exclusive] Parents worried by fake news of a high school senior's death after vaccination in Yongin'

The Cyber Investigation Division of the National Police Agency announced on the 30th that it will conduct a strict investigation into malicious and organized dissemination of false and fabricated information without scientific or empirical evidence that increases public anxiety, as well as personal information leaks, ahead of COVID-19 vaccinations for adolescents.

As COVID-19 vaccinations are set to expand to adolescents aged 12 to 17 starting next month, fake news such as the death of a high school senior who received the vaccine has been circulating online recently. In particular, the fake news claiming that "a high school senior who received the Pfizer vaccine was in the intensive care unit, underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but ultimately died" has spread, but it has been confirmed to be false.

The police plan to designate the cyber investigation units of each city and provincial police agency as the responsible investigative offices for acts of spreading fake news. As of this date, 189 cases involving 293 people related to false and fabricated COVID-19 information have been detected by the police. Among them, 139 cases involving 216 people pertain to spreading false information, and 50 cases involving 77 people relate to personal information leaks, with investigations ongoing for 7 cases. Additionally, the police have requested deletion and blocking for 835 cases.