Health misinformation spreads quickly online

On social media, false information about health often uses fear and urgency to capture attention. This can lead people to share or believe claims without checking their accuracy.

New observatory to track health misinformation

The Ministry of Health announced on October 21, 2026, the creation of a Health Misinformation Observatory. Its goal is to identify false information, understand how it spreads, and respond with science-based actions.

Common scenario of health misinformation

A typical situation involves scrolling through a phone and seeing a video that claims a daily food causes cancer. Moments later, the same post suggests a cure that supposedly protects against it. The tone is urgent, the images are strong, and the post can create anxiety.

First reflex: Check the source and context

Before believing, commenting, or sharing, it helps to determine who is speaking and in what context. A short video might seem like a new revelation, but it could be an old excerpt or an interview taken out of context. Checking the original message—such as who published it, when, and where—can help assess its reliability.

Importance of timing and expertise

The date of the information is crucial. An old alert shared today might seem like a recent discovery. In health, knowledge changes over time, and what was once a hypothesis may now be confirmed or dismissed. It's also important to check if the person speaking is actually an expert in the specific subject they are commenting on.

Second reflex: Look for evidence

Many online posts claim to have evidence, but it's not always clear what that evidence is. Checking for credible sources, peer-reviewed studies, or official health organizations can help determine if the information is reliable.