Instagram has removed Pete Evans’ account for repeatedly spreading COVID-19 misinformation.
The celebrity chef had his Facebook account deleted in December for repeatedly violating the company’s harm policies.
“We removed Pete Evans’ account for repeatedly sharing debunked claims about the coronavirus or vaccines,” a Facebook spokesperson said.
“We don’t allow anyone to share misinformation about COVID-19 that could lead to imminent physical harm or about COVID-19 vaccines that have been debunked by public health experts.”
More than one million pieces of coronavirus content were removed across the social networks between October 1 and December 31 last year, on the basis it could lead to imminent physical harm, such as content relating to fake preventative measures or exaggerated cures.
Last week Facebook updated its policies to take more aggressive action against misinformation.
After consulting with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and others, posts will be removed that include the following false claims:
- COVID-19 is man-made or manufactured
- Vaccines are not effective at preventing the disease they are meant to protect against
- It is safer to get the disease than to get the vaccine
- Vaccines are toxic, dangerous or cause autism
The celebrity chef has a long history of opposing vaccinations, as well as fluoridated water, dairy products and sunscreen.
The aspiring politician has no medical training.
Evans was dropped by his book publisher last year for sharing a cartoon which featured a neo-Nazi symbol. He denied he had any knowledge it was a neo-Nazi symbol.
The move also led to Coles, Woolworths, Target and Kmart dropping his products.
Evans did apologise, claiming his post was “misinterpreted”.
Last year, Evans was also fined $25,200 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for claiming a $15,000 light machine could be used against coronavirus.
This content first appear on 9news