Following a devastating mudslide in Gyirong, Tibet, on August 26, 2026, authorities have taken action against individuals spreading misinformation online. The Cyberspace Administration of the Ministry of Public Security announced the investigation and punishment of two separate cases involving fabricated news and exaggerated figures related to the disaster.
Combating Online Disinformation During Disasters
In the wake of the tragic mudslide in Gyirong, Tibet, which occurred on August 26, 2026, a small number of netizens have been accused of exploiting the disaster for personal gain. These individuals reportedly created and spread false information in comment sections of disaster-related news reports, aiming to garner attention and mislead the public, disregarding the sensitive nature of the situation and relief efforts.
Case 1: Exaggerated Casualty Figures
The first case involved a 38-year-old man named Zhou from Xiangxi, Hunan. On August 26, 2026, Zhou posted comments on a short video platform beneath a report about the Tibet mudslide. His comments falsely inflated the numbers of casualties and missing persons, spreading alarming content that caused unnecessary panic among the public. Local police have since issued an administrative penalty against Zhou, ordering him to delete the false statements and mitigate the negative online impact.
Case 2: Fabricating Disaster Causes
The second case involved a 43-year-old woman named Xu from Shaoyang, Hunan. On August 27, 2026, Xu posted comments in the comment section of a disaster-related news video. She is accused of fabricating untrue explanations for the cause of the disaster, distorting the truth and misleading public perception. Following an investigation by local police, Xu voluntarily deleted her fabricated comments, accepted criticism and education, and signed a pledge to abide by internet laws, promising to regulate her online behavior.
Legal Consequences of Spreading Rumors
These actions are being addressed under Chinese law. The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Public Security Administration Punishments, Article 29, stipulates penalties for spreading intentional rumors and disturbing public order. This can include detention of five to ten days, with an additional fine of up to one thousand yuan, or detention of up to five days and a fine of up to one thousand yuan for less severe cases. Specifically, it addresses actions such as intentionally spreading rumors, falsely reporting dangers, epidemics, disasters, or police situations, or intentionally disrupting public order through other means.
Furthermore, the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 291, addresses the crime of fabricating and intentionally spreading false information. This article states that fabricating and intentionally spreading false information about dangers, epidemics, disasters, or police situations online or through other media, or intentionally spreading such information while knowing it is false, which seriously disrupts social order, can result in imprisonment, criminal detention, or control for up to three years. If severe consequences are caused, the penalty can range from three to seven years of imprisonment.
Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible online behavior, especially during times of crisis, and are committed to maintaining a healthy and orderly internet environment by investigating and prosecuting those who spread misinformation.
