Dr Jabu Mtsweni from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has pointed out that on top of the fake news out in the public domain, there is also a large number of influential leaders who are spreading false information.

Mtsweni was speaking during a virtual webinar organised by the Government Communication and Information System and the Wits School of Governance, to educate and effect change regarding fake news.

He said it has been difficult for people who trust these leaders to not believe what is said, as the world grapples with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Mtsweni said fake news has skyrocketed during the pandemic and even pointed out that journalists have been found to have spread fake news.

CSIR has done research on determining what exactly fake news is.

“Our view is that we do have misinformation where there is no harm intended and we then have people who use the reality which might course harm. They intentionally promote information which may hamper government interventions,” Mtsweni highlighted.

Since March, the CSIR has collected around 180 articles of fake news, posted on various social media platforms, worldwide.

Mtsweni warned that fake news has impacted some government departments, such as the department of health and the police department.

He said technology companies can, at times, play a huge role in curbing fake news if it is reported with enough supporting evidence.

Mtsweli said it should be noted that where there is disorder there is also information disorder.