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World Association of Press Councils Expressed ‘Utmost Concern’ over the ‘Uncontrolled Spread of Fake News’

World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) has expressed ‘utmost concern’ over the ‘uncontrolled spread’ of fake news and misinformation on ‘social media and other digital platforms’, in a declaration issued at the end of the four day General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.

The WAPC, which Myanmar Press Council (MPC) is a member of, issued the warning in a new declaration. Digital component of the declaration states that bloggers and influencers with ‘ulterior motives’ continue to take advantage of the ‘anonymity in the digital platforms’ (such as Facebook) and spread falsehood and lies, without having any accountability or legal implications.

Such fake news endanger the lives of millions, ignites hatred and fuels the intensity of wars, warned WAPC.

WAPC said it will strive to explore ways to mitigate the negative impacts of this shift towards anonymity based digital media and provide recommendations in the near future.

Members agreed on the need to develop online media rules/framework to guide the conduct of online media around the globe and thereafter, advocate for adoption in members countries, the statement said.

WAPC held its General Assembly and celebration of World Press Freedom Day from May 3 to May 8, in the Kenyan capital.