Minister seeks strict action against 'systematic spread' of fake news
- By Web Desk -
- Oct 01, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has called for strict action against fake news ‘systematically’ being circulated on the social media.
The minister took to twitter to express his resentment on widespread fake news regarding different government events. He said: “A series of Fake notifications and news is systematically spread on social media, it started from a media dinner picture and now there is a series of such rubbish. Without effecting freedom on SM we need to take strict action against fake news.”
Before the July 25 elections, World’s popular messaging app WhatsApp had taken a full-page newspaper ad in a local English daily apprising users ways to spot spread of false and fake news in Pakistan.
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The ad, published in the Pakistani English daily reads at the start, “Together we can fight false information” and includes 10 tips on how to spot fake messages. The tips inform readers on checking the accuracy of the information by looking for information from other sources and observing the photos closely to identify whether they are photoshopped or original…”
The company says: “To fight fake news, we all need to work together – technology companies, the government, and community groups. If you see something that’s not true, make people aware and help stop the spread.”
On Sep 7, Fawad Chaudhry had taken notice of the fake telephonic calls using his name warned various institutions and pubic to be aware of such fraudulent calls.
In a statement, the minister took strong exception to the telephonic calls to various institutions by the crooks, using his name. The minister said that the miscreants want to tarnish the image of the present government besides defaming him. He vowed to bring such elements to justice.
Fawad advised the public and the institutions to beware of such miscreants and ensure authenticity of any telephone call received in his name to counter these cheaters.