Police investigate Middle East-related fake news

Police investigate Middle East-related fake news SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Monday it has established an organization dedicated to investigating the spread of online fake news related to the Middle East. Park Jeong-bo, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said that two dedicated teams for Middle East-related fake news have been formed within his agency's Cyber Investigation Unit. "When false information is uploaded, requests for deletion and blocking are made to the relevant site and the Korea Communications Standards Commission. As many as 29 such cases have occurred in Seoul only," Park said in a media briefing. In one instance, a conservative YouTuber claimed on March 27 that it is suspected that a massive 900,000 barrels of oil may have been sent from the southeastern city of Ulsan to North Korea. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has filed a complaint against the YouTuber regarding his claim on charges of defamation by stating false facts under the information and communications network law and the police plan to summon him soon. "We're investigating four YouTube accounts that were reported by the trade ministry and the Korea National Oil Corp.," Park said. "We'll respond sternly to the spread of fake news that causes social unrest." ycm@yna.co.kr (END) - Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel - BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP - (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' - (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break - Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message - Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel - (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. - (3rd LD) Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz - (5th LD) S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz - Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message - Military helicopter mistakenly enters DMZ during wildfire operation last month - (LEAD) Lee expresses regret over drone flights by individuals into N. Korea - (LEAD) BTS tops Billboard albums chart for 2nd week with 'Arirang,' a first in K-pop - Seoul cites differing circumstances of ships, countries after Japan-linked vessels transit Strait of Hormuz - Trump threatens to strike Iran power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened by Tuesday evening