Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, March 31/2021(ENA) Experts have called for the establishment of fact-checking mechanism with a view to preventing the negative impacts of fake information on the peaceful conduct of the upcoming election in Ethiopia.
The experts made the remark at a discussion held about how to tackle the impacts of fake information on the peaceful conduct of election at the Office of the Prime Minister today.
Several stakeholders, including media house officials, participated in the discussion.
Mass Media Reform Council Chairperson, Solomon Goshu, and Eden Birhane presented discussion papers at the forum focusing on the impacts of fake information and hate speech.
During the occasion, Solomon stated that the number of social media users has been drastically increasing.
The precariousness of the ongoing political reform and lack of awareness on the use of social media have been making the public vulnerable to fake information in Ethiopia, the chairperson elaborated.
He further noted his concern that such a condition would create opportunity to anonymous individuals to engage in the dissemination of fake information related to the upcoming election in an organized manner.
According to Solomon, the Government of Ethiopia has been working to contain the dissemination of fake information and hate speech by using legal frameworks.
However, he pointed out that the establishment of fact-checking mechanism must be put in place with a view to preventing the negative impacts of fake information on the peaceful conduct of the upcoming election in Ethiopia in addition to the enactment of legal instruments indicating the experiences of several countries.
Eden Birhane on her part stated that the level of fake information would increase during elections for the event attracts the attention and interest of many people, stressing the need for introduce fact-checking system in order to curb the threat.
The participants have also emphasized on the need to enhance access to information so as to prevent the public from the dangers of fake information.
Mainstream Media houses have to establish their own fact-checking section in addition to their day to day activities, the participants urged.
