TikTok astrologer is facing legal consequences after predicting earthquake that never happened, raising concerns over misinformation online.
A popular TikTok astrologer has recently been arrested in Myanmar after he falsely predicted a major earthquake.
This prediction caused panic among many people, leading to fears for their safety.
The astrologer, John Moe The, has a significant following on TikTok, with over 30,000 followers.
His prediction was alarming, as it suggested a severe earthquake would strike the country soon.
TikTok astrologer caused panic after predicting an earthquake
On April 9, John Moe The claimed that a “very strong” earthquake would hit every city in Myanmar within 12 days. His message went viral, receiving around 3.3 million views.
In his video, he warned people not to stay in tall buildings and advised them to evacuate during the shaking.
“People should not stay in tall buildings during the day,” John Moe The wrote in the caption of the video, which was viewed 3.3 million times, the outlet reported. “Take important things with you and run away from buildings during the shaking,” he wrote.
This warning created a sense of urgency and fear among residents, many of whom took it seriously.
The aftermath of the earthquake prediction
In March, Myanmar experienced a significant earthquake that resulted in the deaths of at least 3,700 people.
The earthquake was followed by over 140 aftershocks, some reaching up to a magnitude of 5.9.
Many residents were already on edge due to the recent seismic activity, making John Moe The’s prediction even more concerning.
The United Nations reported that these frequent aftershocks increased the region’s fear and uncertainty.
“Frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty,” they stated.
Astrologer faces legal trouble after incorrect earthquake prediction shared on TikTok platform
Following the widespread panic caused by the prediction, Myanmar’s military government acted swiftly.
John Moe The was arrested during a raid at his home in Monywa city.
Authorities stated that they received a tip about the false information being spread online.
“We got a tip-off about fake news being spread through a TikTok account that a severe earthquake will hit,” the statement said, according to the outlet.
“Action will be taken effectively against him according to the law. Likewise, we will also take action effectively against those who write or spread or share fake news.”
Legal implications of spreading fake news
In Myanmar, there are strict laws against publishing false information on social media. These laws are designed to prevent panic and misinformation during sensitive situations.
Article 19, a human rights organization, highlighted the importance of these regulations.
They argue that such laws are necessary to maintain public order, especially in a country that has recently faced significant natural disasters.
Reactions from the public
The reactions to John Moe The’s prediction were mixed. While some people did not believe the forecast, many neighbors were frightened and took precautions.
One local resident shared that her friends rented houses outside Yangon, fearing that an earthquake would hit.
The fear caused by the prediction led many to seek safety away from their homes.
“Most of my neighbors dared not to stay in their apartments and lived out on the street that day,” Nan said to the AFP. “My friend even hired a small house outside Yangon in preparation.”
John Moe The is not just known for his earthquake predictions. He has also made other forecasts related to weather disasters and political events in Myanmar.
For example, he has predicted the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader who was detained during the country’s 2021 coup.
His varied predictions have attracted attention but also criticism, especially after the earthquake incident.