When combined, `虚假 (xūjiǎ)` becomes a powerful adjective meaning “false and fake.” `信息 (xìnxī)` is the standard word for “information.” So, 虚假信息 literally translates to “false/fake information,” leaving no room for doubt about its untruthfulness.
In the West, “fake news” became a popular term during the 2016 US election, often associated with political polarization and social media algorithms. In China, the concept of 虚假信息 (xūjiǎ xìnxī) has a unique and potent significance tied to the country's media environment. The term is frequently used by the Chinese government and state media in campaigns to “clean up the internet” (净化网络环境 - jìnghuà wǎngluò huánjìng). The government actively cracks down on what it deems to be 虚假信息, which can range from genuine health scams and financial fraud to politically sensitive topics and dissent that challenge the official narrative. Therefore, an accusation of spreading 虚假信息 can have serious consequences. Compared to the Western concept of “fake news,” which is often a debate between different political factions, in China the term is more top-down. The government is often positioned as the ultimate arbiter of truth, and its act of “debunking rumors” (辟谣 - pìyáo) is presented as a public service. For an ordinary citizen, 虚假信息 is also a daily concern, especially for older generations on WeChat who may be susceptible to sensational health myths or online scams.
虚假信息 is a term you'll encounter in both formal and informal contexts.
The connotation is always negative. It implies deceit and a deliberate attempt to mislead.