Morocco Arrests 11 for Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation Online

These people, arrested in different cities, are involved in the dissemination and distribution of false information through computer systems, in order to undermine public order and cause panic among citizens. The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) indicated, in a press release on Thursday, that this operation is part of the continuation of research and investigations aimed at fighting against fake digital content related to the pandemic of the new coronavirus (Covid-19).

It is the central cell for monitoring and computer surveillance to fight against fake news related to the pandemic, which detected these fake digital content disseminated on social networks and instant messaging applications on mobile phones. The information disseminated talks about alleged cases of infection by Covid-19 and closures of roads between cities and countryside or the refutation of the existence of the new coronavirus.

Six individuals among the eleven arrested were placed in custody at the disposal of the judicial investigation ordered by the competent public prosecutors. The five others were subjected to preliminary investigations, before being referred to the general prosecutor’s office, which supervised the investigations.

The DGSN reassured of the intensification of computer monitoring, to control all false publications and fake digital content on the pandemic, which could undermine the health security of citizens or public order.