Beware of fake websites
Government says fake news websites presented as a credible news sources misinforms the public on key issues and prominent figures.
GOVERNMENT has advised South Africans to be aware of fake news websites that seek to distort and publish inaccurate information in the form of credible news. This comes after a fake news website claimed bananas being sold in Durban and Johannesburg were contaminated.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) acting director general, Donald Liphoko said: “South Africa has a thriving media landscape and in this digital era people have access to content wherever they go. However, the trend of satirical news websites presented as a credible news source misinforms society on key issues and prominent figures.
“This genre of reporting is detrimental to those involved and also detracts from key issues which can be harmful to the citizens and the country as a whole. Such websites aim to communicate false news in an attempt for citizens to further share it on social media”.
Social media users are urged to be cautious when sharing news via social media platforms from sources that are not credible.
Liphoko said government calls on all South Africans to curb the spread of news emanating from spurious websites by not sharing it.
