The global COVID-19 pandemic is happening at a time when sorting facts from fiction is becoming increasingly difficult. In Mongolia, a tsunami of misinformation and disinformation has accompanied the spread of the virus’, provoking fear and exploiting vulnerabilities. Mongolia is now imposing criminal penalties for spreading ‘false news’ about coronavirus that causes social distress and potential economic damage.

Under the Law on Offences, anyone accused of violating transport restrictions and spreading disinformation about possible risks of disasters will face fines of MNT 150,000 and organizations, caught doing the same will be fined MNT 1,500,000. As of today, a total of eight people have been charged under the law.

Separately, under the Criminal Law, anyone who deliberately spreads fake news will face from MNT450,000  to MNT 1,300,000 or 240-720 hours of social works and imprisonment of 1-3 months.