Users who publish such items should be blocked, she argued.

“Those who spread and disseminate fake news in these challenging times are acting completely irresponsibly and exacerbating the situation,” Lambrecht said.

Every citizen is called upon to be sceptical of dubious news and not just share it, according to the minister. Instead, they should check it against reliable news sources such as newspapers, radio stations and television broadcasters.

“We are also providing comprehensive and reliable information on the websites of the federal government,” Lambrecht added.

Instead of contributing to scaremongering, all citizens should support each other “with full solidarity.”

The German Health Ministry has already warned the population about fake news and scaremongering related to the coronavirus crisis.

Facebook has announced stronger action against fake news, focusing among other things on posts advertising “fake remedies.”