It is an extraordinary time for the country, as it grapples with the spread of Coronavirus which is stretching the medical sector and causing disruptions to our everyday life.

Needless to say, all this has a negative effect on the economy.

Unfortunately, there are many who still persist in spreading false information, especially via the social media, unnecessarily adding to the tension that has gripped the country. Vulnerable people, such as the elderly, easily fall into the trap of believing this fake information.

Those who enjoy passing on information which they know is false should remember that it is a crime to do so.

Chapter 82 of the Criminal Code lays it down clearly.

“Whosoever shall maliciously spread false news which is likely to alarm public opinion or disturb public good order or the public peace or to create a commotion among the public or among certain classes of the public, shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term from one to three months: Provided that if any disturbance ensues in consequence of the offence, or if the offence has contributed to the occurrence of any disturbance, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one month but not exceeding six months and to a fine (multa) not exceeding one thousand euro (€1,000) or both such fine and imprisonment.”

Next time you are about to press share or feed the wrong information, read this again.