6th February 2020 – (Hong Kong) We reported this afternoon that Tencent may have accidentally leaked real data on coronavirus deaths i.e. 154,023 infections and 24,589 deaths, according to Taiwan News.
In response, spokesperson for Tencent in Hong Kong wrote a reply to Dimsumdaily this evening and explained that the Tencent News “Epidemic Situation Tracker” reports real-time data from China’ s National Health Commission and various Municipal Health Commissions across China. It is one of several Tencent initiatives, including “Tencent Health” and “Rumour Filter”, that keep users informed and up to date on new developments relating to the novel Coronavirus epidemic and check on hearsay versus fact shared by over 170 authoritative information sources across China.
Unfortunately, several social media sources have circulated doctored images of their “Epidemic Situation Tracker” featuring false information which Tencent never published.
Tencent expresses disappointment over the unscrupulous behaviour demonstrated by social media users Tencent does not condone the dissemination of inaccurate information and fake news, especially during this sensitive period. The company reserves all legal rights and remedies in this matter and urge those misusing their services to immediately cease the manufacture and proliferation of false information.
