How coronavirus misinformation is used to curb free speech

The coronavirus pandemic has spawned its own epidemic of disinformation. Social media is awash with it, emanating from the political fringes and even from those at the center of power. Many governments and medical organizations are waging a secondary war against misinformation and deliberate disinformation. But some countries are using claims of disinformation as an excuse for suppressing legitimate reporting; and to suppress the spread of accurate information domestically and abroad. They’re using the pandemic to ramp up censorship and secrecy legislation. That’s having a chilling effect on journalists and the spread of information. And accurate, timely information is essential to saving lives.