In today's digital age, information spreads rapidly, making it easy for rumours, misinformation and disinformation to spread like wildfire. The rise of social media and the ease of sharing information online have made it easier than ever for false information to spread rapidly, leading to confusion, panic and even harm. This problem not only impacts our personal lives but also affects national policies and actions.
The government has taken steps to promote digital literacy and reduce fake news. However, certain sections of the population remain vulnerable to misinformation and rumours.
It is, therefore, essential to understand the importance of fact-checking and its role in combating fake news, particularly in marginalised communities.
People living in rural areas, senior citizens, those with low literacy levels, children, people with disabilities and those with language barriers are particularly vulnerable to misinformation and rumours.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, rumours circulated about the disease, its transmission and possible cures. As a result, many people were confused and scared, leading to panic buying, hoarding and even violence.
Children, especially those from low-income families, were particularly affected by school closures during the pandemic. With limited access to digital devices and the internet, they could not attend online classes or access educational resources. This led to learning loss and increased disparities in education, particularly in the rural areas.
Senior citizens and people with disabilities faced difficulties accessing essential services and information during the pandemic.
Some of them were unable to leave their homes due to lockdowns. They had to rely on others for food, medicines and other necessities. However, misinformation and rumours made it difficult for them to trust their sources of information, leading to confusion and anxiety.
Furthermore, language barriers play a significant role in the spread of misinformation.
Nepal is a linguistically diverse country, and many people do not speak or understand the national language, Nepali.
As a result, they rely on information in their own languages, which may not always be accurate or reliable.
During the pandemic, rumours spread rapidly on social media and instant messaging platforms in local languages, leading to confusion and panic.
In light of these challenges, it is essential to understand the importance of fact-checking and its role in combating fake news.
Fact-checking involves verifying information's accuracy and reliability before sharing it. This can be done by cross-checking information from multiple sources, checking the source's credentials, and looking for any biases or conflicts of interest.
Fact-checking can also help identify misinformation and rumours. For instance, during the pandemic, rumours spread that the disease could be cured by drinking cow urine or taking herbal remedies. However, fact-checking revealed that these claims could do harm.
The Electronic Transaction Act 2063 of the country criminalises the transmission of false information through electronic means, including social media platforms. The act also punishes those who create or use fake online identities to spread false information.
In addition, the government has launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about fake news dangers and fact-checking.
Internationally, various organisations help combat fake news. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has launched the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) to promote media and information literacy. The Alliance works with governments, NGOs and other stakeholders to develop policies and programmes that address disinformation and misinformation.
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a unit of the Poynter Institute, is another organisation that combats misinformation and disinformation.
The IFCN works with fact-checking organisations around the world to promote accuracy in public discourse. It also provides training and resources for fact-checkers to improve their work.
Here are some helpful tips for fact-checking information before sharing it with others: Verify the source: It's important to check the source of information before sharing it. Make sure it's from a reputable news organisation and not just a rumour or speculation. Check the facts: Double-check the facts and figures provided in the information. Use a search engine like Google to verify if they are accurate.
Be skeptical: Don't believe everything you read or hear, especially if the headline or claim seems sensational or shocking. Try to verify the information before sharing it with others.
Report fake news: If you come across fake news, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can help prevent others from falling for it and protect our communities from misinformation.
Share accurate information: Make sure to share accurate and reliable information with your friends and family. By doing so, you can help combat the spread of fake news and be part of the solution, not the problem.
In a world where information is easily accessible, it's more important than ever to be vigilant about what we read and share.
Fact-checking is a critical skill that can help us separate truth from fiction and prevent the spread of fake news. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that fake news can have serious consequences, and we must all do our part to combat it. By taking a few simple steps to verify sources, check facts, and be skeptical, we can become more informed and responsible consumers of information.
Let's all do our part to combat fake news and promote accurate and reliable information. Remember, knowledge is power, and together, we can create a more informed and peaceful society.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 14, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
