Journalists launch "disinformation lab" to curb spread of fake news in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia - The magnitude of fake news in Somalia could drastically drop following the launch of the "disinformation lab" which is aimed at exposing inaccurate news especially at the time the country is headed to an election, which could define the destiny of the country.

Over the weekend, a media watchdog [FESOJ] launched the campaign which targets among others, false information, fake news, hate speech, and propaganda. Social media platforms are the main targets, the federation said.

The country will hold elections within the next sixty days and given the growth of social media, unscrupulous elements have often targeted the platforms to feed the public with fake news, which at times incite various groups. The youth are major targets of fake news.

One example is a news headline that said the Somali Parliament wanted to oust the prime minister after he objected to a term extension for outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. It later turned out to be fake news.

Journalists, key bloggers, and social media influencers in Somalia say there is a need for extra caution during the presidential and parliamentary election process.

Somalia also has a poor record in respect to human rights and press freedoms, something which also makes it difficult for journalists to have a robust platform for informing the nation. The government has often been accused of trying to gag the press through the imposition of an old and outdated penal code.

The leadership signed a pre-election pact last week, giving leeway to elections. It's at this time that social media is blatantly abused thus the decision to come up with the disinformation lab which would demystify some of the news published on various platforms.

The Ministry of Information, says it will also boost awareness campaigns about fake news through state media and in collaboration with civil society groups and religious leaders.

Meanwhile, Somali political leaders have appealed to the media to perform their duties professionally and responsibly as the Horn of Africa nation gears up for what promises to be a competitive presidential election, VOA reported.

GAROWE ONLINE

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