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Combating False Information Possible by Understanding the Nature of Modern Media: Ethiopian Official

© AFP 2023 DENIS CHARLETA photo taken on October 21, 2020 shows the logo of multinational American Internet technology and service companies, Google, the American online social media and social networking service, clockwise: Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instragram on a computer screen in Lille.
A photo taken on October 21, 2020 shows the logo of multinational American Internet technology and service companies, Google, the American online social media and social networking service, clockwise: Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instragram on a computer screen in Lille.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 19.06.2024
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As social media becomes more accessible, the diversity of information sources expands. While this development has positive aspects, it also poses challenges, such as the spread of fake news and media bias.
It is important to understand the nature of the current media in order to adequately fight the spread of false information, said Ato Addis Arega, Ethiopian Head of Public and International Relations for the Prosperity Party, according to state media ENA.
He stressed this at the International Inter-Party Forum of the United Russia party on the BRICS role in building a new multipolar world order.
During his speech, Ato Addis reportedly pointed out the rapid spread of unverified and false information that undermines accountability. He emphasized that tackling this issue extends beyond technical solutions and called for inculcating a culture of media literacy.
He also stressed the importance of prioritizing truth, accuracy, reliability, and transparency in media reports, according to ENA.
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Furthermore, Ato Addis noted that educating the public on the accuracy and credibility of information sources is crucial. He also underscored the necessity of implementing legal frameworks to prevent the dissemination of false information while respecting the right to free expression.
Moreover, Ato Addis advocated for strengthening cooperation among government bodies and information verification organizations to counteract fake news.
The official also highlighted that Ethiopia's digital policy aims to create a knowledgeable society and foster a strong digital environment promoting development, security, and stability, as the media reported.
Last but not least, he expressed commitment to leveraging the transformational potential of digitalization in collaboration with BRICS to build an inclusive and prosperous world.
Similar arguments were heard at the round table of Rossiya Segodnya Media Group (Sputnik's parent company) in December last year. In particular, the Head of RT Africa, Svyatoslav Shchegolev, pointed out that information verification is harder today owing to social media, adding that every competent journalist should verify material before publishing.
Addressing the fake news issue beyond the media aspect is more complex, Shchegolev noted, as the main strategy is to promptly publish verified and accurate information to counteract any false reports as soon as they emerge.
Moreover, during the 2023 BRICS summit, Dmitry Gornostaev, deputy editor-in-chief of Rossiya Segodnya, proposed developing a shared platform for news agencies of the bloc in order to help member countries get accurate and verified information from one another, free from the influence of Western narratives and fabrications.
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