By Boma Nwuke
False Death Rumours: False reports of a person’s death have become alarmingly common these days. These incidents highlight the ease with which misinformation spreads and the emotional toll it takes.
Last week, reports on the death of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fired through the social media gaining momentum in such a manner that compelled friends, and INEC to publicly issue statements debunking the false narrative.
Yakubu was pronounced dead in the social media while he indeed, he was hale and hearty and attending to matters of importance in his office as revealed by INEC
Issuing the statement of utmost national concern, Yakubu’s Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi described the report as fake and urged the public to disregard it.
The statement partly read ” Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman,Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story appeared on Monday,9th December 2024.
” We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive,hale and hearty. In fact,he has not travelled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday , December 11,2024.
Before Yakubu’s viral rumoured death, there were claims on social media that businessman and Chairman of Globacom,Mike Adenuga jnr. had died . It took Ovation publisher,Dele Momodu and a few others close to the business mogul to dismiss the rumour.
Several prominent Nigerians have also fallen victim to social media deaths. They include the Sultan of Sokoto,Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar , The Sultan,who heads Islamic Affairs in Nigeria was reported dead in London while in fact, he was seen holding a meeting with the Northern Governors Forum in Kaduna. The social media death rumour millers neither spared General Yakubu Gowon Retd nor General Ibrahim Babangida Retd.two former Heads of State. They also did not pity the immediate past president,Mohammadu Buhari.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the rumour mongers took to the social media and fed users that Buhari had died while on medical leave in the United Kingdom. The rumour also added a twist that the president had been replaced in Abuja by a body double from the Republic of Sudan.That was a false story that took a very long time to go away.
Similarly,Nigerians were entertained to a deluge of false death stories in the entertainment industry. The fake news conspiracies held at different times that Veteran actors,Olu Jacobs and Zack Orji had died. Their families saddened by the weight of the embarrassing reports , took to the public space to debunk the false and misleading stories.
In a related development,purveyors of fake news in the build up to the 2023 general election,leveraged the toxic atmosphere caused by ethnic diversity and religious inclinations in the country to lower the morale of candidates and supporters. Example: Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour party in the election was rumoured to bribe church groups to campaign for him in their forums.Nigeria’s sitting president, Bola Tinubu also received his worst share of the misinformation cycle. He was rumoured to be physically unwell in a video alleging a urinary catheter fixed behind his “Agbada”to collect urine from his bladder to a drainage bag. The millers also with the aid of a marker, mischievously mapped out the area of the said bulge. Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC was the most unfairly treated among contesters by the fake narrators. He was allegedly branded a certificate forger and drug pusher and recently, alleged CIA agent,who must vacate his office on claims that the US government can not release information about the Nigerian president because he is CIA asset .
Although fake news has been around from time,its proliferation is empirically proven to be a byproduct of the digital age .
Age of Double-Edged Sword:
The digital age has revolutionized communication, making information more accessible and instantaneous than ever before. However, this rapid dissemination of information has also led to the proliferation of misinformation and false rumors. Social media platforms, blogs, and messaging apps have become breeding grounds for half-truths, exaggerated claims, and outright fabrications that can spread globally in minutes.
Key Drivers Behind the Surge
The Democratization of Information:
In the past, information dissemination was largely controlled by gatekeepers like journalists, editors, and broadcasters who adhered to certain standards.
Today, anyone with internet access can publish content, regardless of its accuracy. This democratization has benefits but also reduces accountability.
Viral Content Culture: Contents that receive a high level of awareness and spread on the internet.
Algorithms prioritize content that drives engagement—likes, shares, and comments. False claims are often sensational, making them more likely to go viral than mundane truths.
For instance, a headline claiming a celebrity’s death garners immediate attention, often without verification.
Echo Chambers and Confirmation Bias:
In the age of social media and instantaneous news, misinformation spreads quickly, often amplified by echo chambers and confirmation bias . Example: the falsely reported death of Mahmood Yakubu and other prominent Nigerians with similar fates, can cause widespread panic and confusion. Sadly, these phenomena are at the core of many viral fake news.
In social media for instance, algorithms prioritize content based on user preferences, creating echo chambers where people are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs without encountering opposing views.
This environment fosters the unchecked spread of rumors, as users are less likely to question claims aligning with their biases.
Anonymity and Lack of Accountability:
Platforms allow users to operate anonymously, reducing the fear of repercussions for spreading falsehoods.
This anonymity enables the creation of fake accounts and bots that amplify misinformation.
The Role of Bots and Artificial Intelligence(Al)
Sophisticated bots and AI systems can generate and spread misinformation at scale, making it harder to distinguish genuine content from falsehoods.
Deepfake technology, for instance, creates realistic but fake videos, adding a new layer of complexity to the fight against misinformation.
Consequences of Misinformation and Rumors
Social and Psychological Impacts
False rumors can cause widespread panic, distrust, and confusion. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines led to hesitancy and reduced public health efforts.
On a personal level, individuals falsely accused or reported deceased may suffer emotional distress, reputational harm, and even legal or financial complications.
Erosion of Trust in Media and Institutions
As misinformation spreads, people lose trust in traditional news outlets and authoritative sources.
This erosion of trust creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories and undermines democratic processes.
Economic and Political Implications:
False reports can disrupt markets, create panic and unsettle the economy.
Politically, misinformation has been used to manipulate elections, unverified stories like death of candidate, and disqualification of candidate can mar election victory.
Combating Misinformation: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Media Literacy Education
Education:Teaching individuals how to critically evaluate information sources is crucial.
Schools and communities can incorporate programs that focus on identifying fake news, cross-checking facts, and understanding biases.
Accountability for Platforms:
Media:Social media platforms must take responsibility by fact-checking content, labeling misinformation, and limiting the reach of false claims.
Companies like Twitter (now X) and Facebook have introduced measures to flag unverified or false information, though these efforts are still evolving.
-Strengthening Journalism Standards:
Journalists and media outlets must prioritize accuracy over speed, conducting thorough fact-checking before publishing.
Collaborations with fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact or Snopes , Africa Check ,FactCheck.org can help maintain credibility.
Role of Technology:
Technology plays a critical role in combating the spread of fake news,leveraging various tools, algorithms, and systems to detect, prevent, and counter misinformation.
Highlighting Role::
1.Automated Fact Checking:
Algorithms:
These tools analyze news content in real – time,cross referencing it with verified databases to determine its accuracy. As said, platforms like Snoppes and FactCheck.org use advanced algorithms to debunk false claims. Crowdsourced Fact -Checking Apps and platforms allow users access to report suspicious content, enabling collaborative efforts to identify fake news.
- Artificial intelligence
AI tools can analyse text, videos and images to detect patterns of misinformation, identify bots, and trace the origins of false machine learning algorithms
3.Blockchain technology offers potential for verifying the authenticity of digital content, providing a tamper-proof record of its origin.
Role of Government in Curbing Fake news
Government Policies and Regulation:
Governments can implement regulations to curb the spread of misinformation while balancing freedom of speech.
Cybersecurity laws can also target the malicious use of bots and fake accounts.
Government policies in Nigeria can play a significant role in combating the spread of fake news. A strategic and balanced approach is necessary to tackle the issue without infringing on freedom of expression.
This is how government policies can help.
- Legislation Against Fake News
Anti-Fake News Laws: Enacting laws that criminalize the deliberate creation and dissemination of fake news, with clearly defined penalties, can deter offenders. For example, penalties could include fines, imprisonment, or community service.
Cybercrime Laws: Strengthening existing cybercrime legislation to specifically address online misinformation. - Regulation of Social Media and Digital Platforms
Content Monitoring: Policies can mandate social media companies to detect and remove fake news promptly. For instance, platforms like Facebook or Twitter could be required to establish local content moderation teams.
Transparency Requirements: Platforms could be required to disclose how they manage fake news and the algorithms they use, ensuring accountability. - Promotion of Media Literacy
Inclusion in Education Curriculum: Policies can mandate the integration of media literacy and critical thinking skills into the educational system, helping students identify fake news from an early age.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Government-led campaigns, in partnership with civil society organizations, can educate the public on the dangers of fake news and how to verify information. - Strengthening Independent Media
Support for Journalism: Policies that provide financial or technical support to credible media organizations can encourage investigative journalism and counteract fake news.
Press Freedom Protections: Ensuring freedom of the press allows journalists to challenge misinformation without fear of persecution. - Collaboration with Stakeholders
Public-Private Partnerships: The government can collaborate with technology companies, NGOs, and academia to develop tools and strategies for combating fake news.
Engagement with Religious and Traditional Leaders: Leveraging the influence of trusted community figures to counteract misinformation in rural areas. - Building a Culture of Verification : Fact Checking and Verification Initiatives
Government Fact-Checking Units: Establishing dedicated government agencies or units to verify claims, particularly during elections, emergencies, or public health crises.
Support for Fact-Checking Organizations: Partnering with and funding independent fact-checking bodies to ensure wide coverage and impartiality.
- Penalizing Fake News Offenders
Strict Enforcement: Policies must ensure that offenders are prosecuted effectively, creating a strong deterrent.
Publicizing Convictions: Highlighting penalties for spreading fake news can discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. - Technology and Innovation
Investment in AI and Digital Tools: The government can invest in technologies like AI to identify and flag fake news across platforms.
Research and Development: Policies that encourage academic and industry research into combating fake news can lead to innovative solutions. - Election-Related Policies
Electoral Integrity Measures: Special policies during election periods can monitor and counter fake news targeting candidates, voters, or the electoral process.
Monitoring Political Advertising: Ensuring transparency in online political campaigns to prevent the spread of disinformation. - Balanced Enforcement to Protect Rights
Avoiding Censorship: Policies should strike a balance between combating fake news and protecting freedom of speech to maintain public trust.
Legal Redress for Victims: Providing a mechanism for individuals or organizations targeted by fake news to seek justice through the courts.
By implementing these policies, the Nigerian government can address the root causes and consequences of fake news while fostering an informed and resilient society.
Challenges
Despite these advancements, combating fake news using technology faces several challenges:
1.Evolving Techniques: Fake news creators continually adapt to bypass detection systems.
2.Bias in Algorithms: Detection tools may reflect the biases of their creators, leading to inaccurate classification.
3.Privacy Concerns: Monitoring user interactions raises ethical issues related to data privacy.
Conclusion:
Misinformation and false rumors are byproducts of the fast-paced digital world we live in. Combating this challenge requires collective effort—media platforms, governments, educators, and individuals must work together to prioritize truth and accountability. By integrating technological tools and addressing their challenges,by fostering a culture of critical thinking and responsible communication, by imbibing the golden rule – the principle in ethics that encourages people to treat others as they would want to be treated,we can mitigate the harmful impacts of misinformation and create a more informed society.
Boma Nwuke is a senior journalist,editor with over 30 years of practical experience.
