The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

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

Social media information, that there is a shortage of petrol and citizens should hurry up to fill their car tanks or they will be stuck.

Social media information, that areas like the Eastern Road wopuld not have electricity until December.

Also social media information 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 warrants police investigation to determine the origin.

Prosecution could be considered under section 492 of the Penal Caode, chaper 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 misdemeanour.”

Police action could serve to be a preventative measure.

PAUL THOMPSON SR

Nassau,

October 13, 2016.