Irresponsibility on social media

Wed, Oct 19th 2016, 10:08 AM

Dear Editor,

I refer to The Tribune editorial dated October 13, 2016 on the misinformation churned out daily by social media, which appears to result in public alarm and panic.

Social media information was that there was a shortage of petrol and citizens should hurry up to fill their car tanks or they would be stuck. Social media information was that areas like the Eastern Road would not have electricity until December. Also social media information was of a shortage of police officers.

The report was that many officers were refusing to report for work, which is false. During the hurricane in 2015, social media reported a large number of deaths occurring in Long Island, which was false. In recent months, social media reported cracks in the fuselage of Bahamasair planes. The information was false. It is my humble opinion that these reports are likely to cause public alarm and warrant police investigation to determine the origin.

Prosecution could be considered under section 492 of the Penal Code, Chapter 84, which states, "Whoever, with intent to cause public alarm or disturbance, publishes, or attempts to cause the publication of, any news or telegram which he knows or believes to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor."

Police action could serve to be a preventative measure.

We served with honor. We remember with pride.

- Paul Thompson Sr.

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