A recent report from the China Academy of Social Sciences highlighted the dangers of rumors and suggested ways to combat their damage.

But the right way to prevent rumors is to be more open with the media instead of trying to cover the truth, says an editorial in Beijing News (excerpts below).

A rumor has shorter legs and can go faster than truth, according to an old saying. That is especially true with the emergence of the new media, which is fast in spreading news but slow in checking facts.

To solve the problem of unfounded rumors, just like the report said, it is necessary to allow the media to report more, instead of setting boundaries. Truth is the best weapon to fight rumors.