Fake news harmful to democracy: MACRA

Malawi: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has warned the creation and spread of fake news has the potential to undermine and interfere with the country's democratic development.

According to the organisation, this necessitates media intervention to prevent further spread and correct the perception that fake news creates.

The remarks by MACRA Board Chairperson Dr Stanley Khaila come at a time when the world is grappling with the rise in the creation and spread of fake news and misinformation.

Speaking at the start of a three-day media workshop on fake news, its impact, and implications, Khaila said democracy usually suffers the consequences of fake news because audiences make decisions based on what they have read or heard.

According to him, the media must be equipped with the ability to distinguish between fake and real news.

MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman stated that the communication sector must be at the forefront of understanding good social media etiquette in order to prevent the spread of fake news.

MACRA has organised the workshop with the theme "Impact and Implications."