The Infodemic: Japanese official’s racist COVID hot-take; Facebook labels “state-controlled” media; French doctors present anti-vax gift to Africa
Welcome back, and a very special welcome to all our new subscribers. We are tracking how global disinformation is shaping the world that is emerging from the lockdown.
Coronavirus may no longer be the only news on our screens, but infection numbers are still rising around the world, and disinformation about Covid-19 continues to spread. Below are a few narratives — both real and fake — that have grabbed our attention and deserve yours.
“Do not lie, do not steal, do not betray!” That’s the best antidote to coronavirus, according to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico. When asked why he is not social distancing, he says that he doesn’t need to, because he is a good person. This accentuates the government's confusing messaging, amid rapidly rising coronavirus cases. Another example: Face masks are mandatory but Obrador’s home secretary doesn’t wear one. Instead, Sánchez Cordero says that she uses “citrus-based nanomolecules” to protect herself. A few drops, according to her, are enough to destroy viruses. Meanwhile, a month ago Alejandro Giovanni López, a bricklayer was arrested and detained by police for not wearing a mask on a public road. Hours later, he was reported dead. If you read Spanish, Animal Politico has good context here.
Australia’s flagship 60 Minutes show is in trouble for giving airtime to coronavirus conspiracy theories. On Thursday, it aired a segment with Australian celebrity chef Pete Evans — also known as Paleo Pete — who has recently switched from peddling anti-vaccine propaganda to Covid-19 disinformation. Last month, Evans was hit with a $25,000 fine by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for promoting a $15,000 light machine as a remedy for what he referred to as the "Wuhan coronavirus." A few weeks later, Australia's Channel Seven dropped Evans from the "My Kitchen Rules" cooking show, on which he was a judge for 10 years, owing to his controversial health claims.