PUBLIC DAMAGE: The Cabinet-approved bill provides clarity on repeat offenders of the law on intentionally spreading false information about animal diseases

Taipei Times
Date: Jun 28, 2019
By: Staff writer, with CNA

The Executive Yuan yesterday passed a draft amendment designed to toughen punishments for people who intentionally spread false information about animal diseases.

The proposed amendment to the Act for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease (動物傳染病防治條例) states that anyone who disseminates rumors or false information relating to animal diseases and causes damage to the public could be fined between NT$50,000 and NT$1 million (US$1,608 and US$32,153) for each violation.

Article 43 of the statute currently stipulates a fine of between NT$50,000 and NT$1 million, but is not clear on repeat offenses.

The bill also seeks to provide a clear set of criteria to determine what kind of behavior constitutes such an offense, including having the intent to spread wholly or partially fabricated or false information through the Internet or media and causing damage to the general public or individuals.
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