It is apparent that many view times of national crisis as opportunity to gain financially through misinformation, through selling fake therapies, tests, or financial gain from publishing articles. This false information exposes the most vulnerable to harm and leads to extra strain on our NHS.
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78% of Britons fear that inaccurate health information shared on social media will cause harm according to MHP polling. While selling products with no evidence of efficacy may already be illegal under fraud legislation, media outlets are still free to spread misinformation without consequence. A new, specific criminal offence is needed from our Government to send the clear message that these actions will not be tolerated during a time of national crisis.