The decision follows cases within government circles over what they describe as a “pattern of negligence” by social media firms in responding to police requests. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil criticised TikTok’s response times.

“TikTok was very slow in providing information… to the point that I had to call TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to inform him, ‘this is a crime that’s being committed and your organisation is very slow’,” Fahmi said, warning that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

The trigger for this confrontation was a viral TikTok video in which a man falsely claimed to be a pathologist working on the investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a case that has attracted public attention. Authorities say TikTok’s delay in handling the matter forced the minister to personally intervene.

Top executives of TikTok are expected to appear at Malaysia’s federal police headquarters, Bukit Aman, on Thursday. The Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General will also attend the meeting.

Meta has not been spared as the company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is being summoned over disturbing materials linked to paedophilia that spread across its platforms, including content uncovered during a cybercrime operation known as Operation Pedo. 

Authorities have specifically flagged an online group called Geng Budak Sekolah, which circulated indecent content targeting children.

The Malaysian government has classified several categories of online activity as harmful. These include gambling, scams, child pornography and grooming, cyberbullying, and content linked to race, religion, and royalty. Officials argue that these categories pose both social and national security risks.

Fahmi has insisted that every platform must comply with local laws and respond quickly to enforcement requests. “We see these platforms are not taking the matter seriously, so the dialogue process will continue, and we will stress that Malaysian law applies to them and they must comply. We will summon every platform,” he said.

At the Al Grand Prix Conference 2025, Fahmi also disclosed that Malaysia is considering mandatory identity verification for all online sales and advertising. The proposal is intended to limit fake accounts, deepfakes, and fraud. Singapore already enforces a similar policy, and Malaysia is positioning itself to follow that model.

The issue aligns with international trends where Governments from India to Indonesia, and even within the European Union, are tightening regulations on global tech giants, imposing fines, and in some cases threatening outright bans for non-compliance.

Neither TikTok nor Meta has issued an immediate public response to Malaysia’s latest move.

As purveyors of truth and accountability, journalists play a crucial role in combatting the spread of misinformation and ensuring the public has access to accurate and reliable news.

By adopting validated reporting processes and sourcing information from reputable sources, journalists can strengthen the authenticity of their work and uphold the principles of ethical journalism.

However, the responsibility of curbing the vices of fake news does not rest solely on journalists; the general public also plays a vital role in discerning fact from fiction and holding news outlets accountable for their reporting.

Together, journalists and the public can work towards a more informed and trustworthy media landscape that upholds the values of truth, transparency, and integrity.

Characterising the digital age is where information is constantly at our fingertips. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought both advancements and challenges to the field of journalism, particularly in combating the spread of fake news.

Undoubtedly, the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation poses a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of the news media, leading to a growing mistrust among the public.

Journalists are faced with the daunting task of navigating through a sea of online content to sift out the truth from the false, all while under constant pressure to meet tight deadlines and generate click-worthy headlines.

As such, AI tools have emerged as a potential solution to help journalists in this uphill battle, offering the ability to analyze vast amounts of data, detect patterns of misinformation, and fact-check information at a much faster pace than humanly possible.

However, the reliance on AI also raises ethical concerns around biases in algorithms and the potential for automation to replace human judgment in critical decision-making processes. As the media landscape continues to evolve, journalists must embrace the power of AI as a tool for enhancing, rather than replacing, their investigative skills and critical thinking.

By fostering a symbiotic relationship between AI technology and journalistic integrity, we can empower the public to discern fact from fiction, safeguarding the truth in an era plagued by fake news.

Trending is the rise of AI in journalism, which has brought about numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced personalization.

However, it has also led to the proliferation of fake news, as AI algorithms can generate and disseminate misinformation at an unprecedented rate.

One of the main issues with AI-generated fake news is the challenge of identifying and combating it. Traditional methods of fact-checking and verifying sources may not be effective in the face of AI’s ability to mimic human writing styles and create realistic-looking content.

This makes it difficult for both journalists and the general public to discern between real and fake news.

Moreover, the viral nature of fake news online means that it can spread rapidly and have far-reaching consequences. In some cases, AI-generated fake news has been used to manipulate public opinion, sway elections, and incite violence.

This poses a significant threat to the integrity of journalism and democracy as a whole.

To address these issues, journalists, tech companies, and policymakers must work together to develop strategies to combat AI-generated fake news.

This may include implementing AI-based tools for detecting and flagging fake news, establishing clear guidelines for ethical AI use in journalism, and promoting media literacy among the public.

Additionally, greater transparency and accountability in AI algorithms are needed to ensure that they are not being used to propagate fake news. Journalists should also be trained in AI technology and its implications for journalism to effectively navigate this new digital landscape.

Ultimately, the fight against fake news requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technological solutions with media literacy education and responsible journalism practices.

By working together to address these challenges, we can help ensure that AI continues to be a force for good in journalism, rather than a tool for spreading misinformation.

Essentially, Journalists play a crucial role in curbing the proliferation of fake news by upholding ethical standards, fact-checking information, verifying sources, and providing accurate and balanced reporting. Here are some ways in which journalists can combat fake news:

1. Fact-checking: Journalists should always verify the accuracy of information before publishing a story. This includes cross-referencing information with multiple sources and confirming the credibility of sources.

2. Transparency: Journalists should be transparent about their reporting process and sources. This can help build trust with their audience and differentiate their work from fake news sources.

3. Media Literacy: Journalists can also play a role in promoting media literacy by educating the public on how to spot fake news and critically evaluate information they encounter online.

4. Responsible Reporting: Journalists should refrain from spreading unverified information or sensationalizing stories for clicks or views. Responsible reporting is essential for maintaining the integrity of journalism.

On the other hand, the general public also has a role to play in curbing the spread of fake news. Here are some ways in which individuals can combat fake news:

1. Verify Information: Before sharing any news or information, individuals should take the time to verify its accuracy. Check the credibility of the source and look for corroborating evidence to support the claims.
2. Improve Media Literacy: Educate yourself on how to spot fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. Be critical of the information you consume and think critically before sharing it with others.
3. Report Fake News: If you come across fake news online, report it to the platform or authorities. By flagging false information, you can help prevent its dissemination to a wider audience.
4. Support Quality Journalism: Subscribe to reputable news sources and support quality journalism. By investing in reliable news outlets, you can help counter the spread of fake news.

Coverall, the fight against fake news requires collaboration between journalists, tech companies, policymakers, and the general public.

By working together and taking proactive steps to combat misinformation, we can help safeguard the integrity of journalism and protect the public from the harmful effects of fake news.

Expectedly, some validated reporting processes and sources that can help journalists improve the authenticity and credibility of their work:

1. Multiple Source Verification: Always verify information with multiple sources before publishing a story. This helps ensure accuracy and minimizes the risk of relying on false or misleading information.

2. Fact-Checking Organizations: Collaborate with reputable fact-checking organizations such as FactCheck.org, Snopes, or PolitiFact to verify the accuracy of claims and statements. These organizations specialize in debunking false information and provide valuable resources for journalists.

3. Expert Interviews: Seek input from subject matter experts, academics, or professionals in relevant fields to provide context and analysis for your stories. Their insights can help validate information and add depth to your reporting.

4. Data and Research: Base your reporting on verifiable data, studies, and research findings whenever possible. Cite your sources and provide access to the raw data to support your claims and conclusions.

5. Transparency: Maintain transparency in your reporting process by clearly identifying sources, disclosing potential conflicts of interest, and explaining how you obtained and verified information. Transparency builds trust with your audience and increases the credibility of your work.

6. Editorial Oversight: Have a robust editorial process in place to review and fact-check your stories before publication. This includes editing for accuracy, clarity, and fairness, as well as verifying sources and checking for potential biases.

7. Ethical Guidelines: Adhere to established journalism ethics and standards, such as those outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN). These guidelines provide a framework for responsible reporting and can help journalists navigate ethical dilemmas.

By following these validated reporting processes and sources, journalists can improve the authenticity and credibility of their work, contributing to a more informed and trustworthy media landscape.

Conclusively, in the face of the challenges posed by fake news proliferation, journalists must uphold the highest standards of accuracy, truthfulness, and transparency in their reporting.

By following validated reporting processes, sourcing information from reliable sources, and adhering to ethical guidelines, journalists can strengthen the authenticity and credibility of their work, thereby mitigating the impact of misinformation on society.

However, the fight against fake news cannot be won by journalists alone; it requires active participation and critical engagement from the general public.

By staying vigilant, fact-checking information, and holding news outlets accountable, individuals can contribute to a more informed and trustworthy media environment.

Together, journalists and the public can work towards a future where truth prevails, and misinformation is exposed, ensuring that the integrity of journalism remains steadfast in the face of evolving challenges.

To borrow a satirical quip, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.” – Abraham Lincoln. This gives a sound warning to everyone digitally inclined in our global system. To date countless individuals still fall victim to fake news, unable to discern it from authentic news. So, let’s walk you through the evaluation of fake news, with critical thinking and scepticism at the fore.

Through this journey, keep in mind Mark Twain’s timeless wisdom: “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re misinformed.” While this looks like an irony, it emphasizes the challenges of discerning truth in the media sector.

Source Evaluation

Check the Domain: Investigate the website’s domain. Legitimate news outlets usually have established domains.

About Us Section: Authentic news sites provide clear information about their mission, editorial team, and contact details.

Cross-Verification

Multiple Sources: Confirm information with multiple reliable sources. Consistency across reputable outlets increases credibility.

Fact-Checking Websites: Utilize fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact to verify claims.

Headline Scrutiny

Sensationalism: Beware of exaggerated or sensational headlines. Legitimate news sources maintain a neutral tone.

Misleading Headlines: Ensure that the content matches the headline; misleading titles are a common tactic.

Authorship Assessment

Author Credentials: Check the author’s qualifications and expertise. A lack of author information can be a red flag.

Biased Affiliations: Be cautious if the author has strong affiliations that may compromise objectivity.

Publication Date Awareness

Timeliness: Check the publication date. Misinformation often resurfaces, and outdated news can be misleading.

Contextual Relevance: Consider whether the timing aligns with the story’s significance.

Media Literacy

Question Photos and Videos: Verify the authenticity of visuals. Images and videos can be manipulated to convey false narratives.

Understanding Satire: Satirical content, if misunderstood, may contribute to misinformation. Be aware of satirical sources.

Social Media Scrutiny

Check Source Credibility: Verify the legitimacy of the social media account sharing the news. Look for verification badges.

Watch for Echo Chambers: Be cautious of information spreading within closed online communities without external validation.

Critical Thinking

Question Biases: Be aware of your own biases and how they might influence your perception of news.

Evaluate Supporting Evidence: Authentic news is supported by evidence, not just opinions.

Review the URL

Typos and Strange Characters: Pay attention to the URL for typos or unusual characters. Legitimate sites have professional-looking URLs.

Consult Experts

Consult Subject Matter Experts: If the news involves a complex topic, seek opinions from experts in the field to validate information.

There you have it, information is abundant in this period, but not always accurate, equip yourself to be above misinformation.

He made this known while speaking at the 2023 7th Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja.

Represented by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Abubakar commended GOCOP for the theme of this year’s Conference, “Roadmap for socio-economic recovery and sustainability,’’ but pointed out that the theme can be achievable only when investors are convinced that the security of lives and properties are assured.

Air Marshal Abubakar then pointed out the lack of empathy and support for the AFN by both the new and traditional media as well as the dangers the misuse of the social portends to Nigeria’s national security.

According to him, “Social media, which incidentally has become the medium of choice for online publishers, is now an avenue where fake news thrives and information is weaponized, hence the need to guard against such through stringent measures to erring publishers.”

The CAS further buttressed his point by quoting Peter Singer and Emerson Brooking in their book, “LikeWar: The Weaponization of the Social Media,”  that, “Social media has created a new environment for conflict as it has transformed the speed, spread, and accessibility of information, thereby changing the very nature of secrecy. Yet, while the truth is more widely available, it can be buried in a sea of “likes” and lies.”

The CAS also seized the opportunity to intimate the audience on his command philosophy and developmental plans for the NAF.

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister for information, Mohammed Idris, charged online publishers to endeavour to project the nation in good light, adding that by so doing, foreign investors will have the confidence to invest their money and time in the country.

He then urged GOCOP to ensure their members abide by the high standards of professionalism obtainable in the media industry.

On her part, the President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, informed the audience that its members will continue to abide by laid down rules guiding the practice of journalism in Nigeria and assured that disciplinary measures have also been emplaced to sanction erring members.

The event was chaired by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, while Professor Uchenna Uwaleke was the keynote speaker.

Members of the discussion panel included Secretary-General of Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Professor Yakubu Ochefu; Special Adviser to the President (Policy Coordination) Hadiza Bala-Usman, and Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Assets Management Ltd, Johnson Chukwu.

The problem is that detecting fake news can be challenging. Remember, spotting fake news requires a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. By using some of the tools and strategies, outlined below, you can help protect yourself from fake news and misinformation.

Fact-checking websites: Fact-checking websites such as FactCheck.org, Snopes.com, and PolitiFact.com can assist you in determining whether a news story is true or false.

Examine the source: Examine the website or social media account from which the news story originated. Is it a reputable news outlet or a lesser-known website with a shady reputation?

Examine the date: Sometimes fake news stories are old stories that are being circulated as if they were new. Check the story’s publication date to ensure it is current.

Be skeptical: If a news story appears to be too outrageous or unbelievable, it could be a hoax. Use your critical thinking skills to question the story’s source and accuracy.

Look for confirmation: Look for other credible sources that are covering the same news story. If the story is only being reported by one source, it is possible that it is false.