ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday said countering fake news and disinformation was the prime responsibility of the youth.

They showed serious concerns over the rising trend of fake news and urged the government to take immediate steps to tackle the complex issue. They said efforts should also be made to counter misinformation and fake news through educational interventions.

The seminar ‘Impact of fake news and disinformation on the upcoming general election in Pakistan’ was organised by a think-tank, Accountability Lab, at Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI).

Speakers included digital media expert Waqas Naeem, Zile Huma, Director Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP); Director Communications and Outreach at Nacta Dr Munir Ahmed, and Shazia Mehboob, Editor The PenPK.com.

Ms Huma said it was the duty of journalists to seek facts and provide authentic information to public to reduce the risk of spreading fake news.

Dr Ahmed remarked that fake news, disinformation and misinformation created the culture of intolerance in society which was fuelling religious, political and social extremism.

“This is the youth of the country who do watch, comments, give likes and share them further and make fake news, misinformation, disinformation successful. So countering fake news, misinformation and disinformation is the prime responsibility of the youth,” he said.

Mr Naeem said it was important for the social media platforms providers to continue their efforts to understand the risks of cascading fake news and influence in the society at large.

“Hence implementation of the fact checking tools is significant in reducing the spread of fake news, building of trust and confidence in the society. Social media platforms providers should ensure that there is monitoring of online activates triggered by spread of fake news,” he said.

Ms Mehboob said it was even more challenging problem where individuals with limited digital literacy skills were joining online platform in increasing numbers. “So educational interventions focusing on increasing the ability of individuals to identify fake news should be increased to counter this complex issue,” she said.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2023