Public warned against circulating false information

THE Department of Communications has warned the public to be responsible internet users.

This after an image of a minor who allegedly contracted a mouth disease after consuming ‘counterfeit’ or illicit perishable goods began circulating on social media.

The department said circulating the image is not only discriminatory but affects the dignity of the minor.

‘The internet has the potential to be used for great good but can also cause terrible harm.

‘It is in your hands. People can limit the harm by vetting the content they want to share.

‘Sharing unverified and unauthenticated information can have real consequences for the sanctity of our nation and its democratic values,’ said the Deputy Minister of Communications, Pinky Kekana.

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Kekana said what is more concerning is that the image comes at a time where citizens have taken issue with the quality of perishable goods sold mainly in the townships and semi-urban particularly at shops owned by foreign nationals.

‘A simple reverse image of the picture reveals that it is not a recent one and cannot be attributed to South Africa.

‘In essence, it appears that there is a concerted effort to spread incorrect, harmful content in order to stoke xenophobic attitudes within our communities.

‘False information masquerading as news has the ability to divide our communities instead of assisting the very same communities to find solutions to concerns raised by consumers,’ Kekana said.

She urged communities to report any suspicious-looking food items or business selling expired food products to the National Consumer Commission at 0124287000 or by e-mailing complaints@thencc.org.za.

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