Dear Editor,
THE proliferation of fake news in Zambia is a source of great concern.
The fake news has the potential to destroy the country.
There is hardly a day that would pass without fake news being shared on the platform such as social media.
Some people share fake news to create the impression that it is true.
Before delving into the nitty gritties, let me expound what fake news is.
In a nutshell, fake news is one which has no source and in some instances, names of the authors are not known.
Oftentimes, fake news targets mostly the public figures such as the Ministers and the Head of State, among others. This does not imply that ordinary people are not a target.
The fake news is aimed at bringing the names of those being attacked into ridicule. This should not be condoned as a matter of fact.
However, the fake news can cause panic among the people because the news being circulated can be alarming. It is imperative that people should desist from believing any news circulating on social media. This is because its source must be verified; it must come from credible media houses.
If fake news about the governance system of the country is circulated on social media for instance, this will ultimately erode foreign investor confidence.
Moving forward; the law enforcers should deal sternly with people in the habit of circulating fake news. They should be apprehended so that they can face the full wrath of the law upon being convicted.
E.P
Lusaka.
Author
