Imparting or conveying false information
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Whoever imparts or conveys or causes to be imparted or conveyed false information, knowing the information to be false, concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made, to do any act which would be a crime prohibited by this chapter or chapter 97 or chapter 111 of this title shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 which shall be recoverable in a civil action brought in the name of the United States.
(b) Whoever and , or for the safety of human life, imparts or conveys or causes to be imparted or conveyed false information, knowing the information to be false, concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made, to do any act which would be a crime prohibited by this chapter or chapter 97 or chapter 111 of this title—shall be , or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
History: (Added July 14, 1956, ch. 595, §1, 70 Stat. 540; amended Pub. L. 87–338, Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 751; Pub. L. 89–64, July 7, 1965, 79 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is illegal to knowingly spread false information about an attempt (real or claimed) to commit certain crimes, such as attacks on aircraft, vehicles, trains, or ships covered by related chapters of federal law. Doing so knowingly can lead to a civil fine (a money penalty, not a criminal charge). Doing it willfully and maliciously, or with reckless disregard for human life, is a federal crime.