Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 13-02-2017
Technology company Apple says technology firms must do more to tackle “fake news” calling for a major public campaign.
Fake news or fabricated reports are designed to promote a particular agenda, came to prominence during last year’s US presidential election campaign.
Chief Executive Officer of Apple Tim Cook says technology firms must up their game in tackling “fake news”.
“All of us technology companies need to create some tools that help diminish the volume of fake news. We must try to squeeze this without stepping on freedom of speech and of the press, but we must also help the reader.”
Cook says governments should also introduce a public information campaign.
“We are going through this period of time right here where unfortunately some of the people that are winning are the people that spend their time trying to get the most clicks, not tell the most truth. It’s killing people’s minds in a way.”
Last month a fake 702 account emerged where stories about Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan were tweeted.
False accounts for the Sunday Times and the Huffington Post were also created.
Media Monitoring Africa’s William Bird said the accounts were clearly aimed at using the media to create a misinterpretation of South African politics.
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