By James Sunday PCC, Comptroller of Immigration, Rivers State Command
The myth and reality of Information Technology and Communication, and artificial intelligence contributed to the increasing dangers of “fake news.”
What is fake news?
Fake news is an unconfirmed, unverified, untrue, rumuor, assumption, and sometimes figment of imagination put together by clandestine individuals or groups using the tools of infotech and communication to post, and publish ill-conceived information into the public space, with the aim of causing disaffection, damage, chaos, confusion, crisis and image denting falsified and untrue information about their target.
Fake news does no good to individuals or society, those inventing it have a mission that is inimical to the integrity, character, and good image of the person targeted. It is an evil orchestrated with bad motives, it maligns reputations, and it creates bad blood and enmity.
Rebuttals and apologies, confessions cannot repair the damages caused by fake news, its effect is devastating and damaging, advisably, fake news carriers, reporters, and writers should verify, confirm, be sure of, not assume nor rely on hearsay or figments of imagination.
This piece is an excerpt from a former head of media and publicity of the Nigeria Immigration Service. A first-hand experience, as an image maker, image launderer, and information manager of a reputable organization like the Immigration Service of Nigeria.
Fake news sources, dissemination, and publication should be sanctioned alongside the carrier, writer, and publisher.