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| - AFP is moving a series of stories this week examining the spread and impact of misinformation and conspiracy theories during the coronavirus pandemic. The virus is known to have infected more than 35 million people around the world, killing over a million of them and devastating the global economy. In this climate of uncertainty and anxiety, false narratives have thrived online -- about everything from the origins of the pandemic to the safety of vaccines and bizarre claims about a satanist cabal. We will publish the following: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Health-virus-misinformation-internet-QAnon,FOCUS HONG KONG Powered by fear, anger and big tech's algorithms, the QAnon conspiracy movement has exploded from the US political fringe into the global mainstream during the pandemic. 800 words by Qasim Nauman. File Picture. Graphic Health-virus-misinformation-internet-QAnon,Q&A HONG KONG The increasingly visible and vocal followers of QAnon promote a bewildering blend of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. AFP takes a look at QAnon's beliefs and growth, and why it is worrying everyone from Facebook to the FBI. 650 words by Qasim Nauman. Graphic Health-virus-misinformation-vote-NZealand,FOCUS MANGAWHAI, New Zealand During the turmoil of the pandemic, Billy TK has turned from an obscure blues guitarist into New Zealand's leading conspiracy theorist, using viral social media posts to propel an anti-establishment run at parliament. 800 words by Neil Sands and Taylor Thompson-Fuller. Picture. Video. Graphic WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 Health-virus-misinformation-internet-vaccine-Philippines,FOCUS MANILA Online misinformation is leaching out from cheap mobile phones and free Facebook plans used by millions of poor in the Philippines, convincing many to reject vaccinations for polio and other deadly diseases. 800 words by Jake Soriano. Picture. Video. Graphic THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 Health-virus-misinformation-Australia,FOCUS SYDNEY As Australians tire of the long slog to curb the coronavirus, an unlikely mix of celebrities, "wellness" experts and social media influencers are finding fertile ground for sowing disinformation. 750 words by Andrew Beatty, Andrew Leeson and Johnny Lieu, with Tania Lee in Melbourne. Picture. Video. Graphic afp
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