Close Menu
Web StatWeb Stat
  • Home
  • News
  • United Kingdom
  • Misinformation
  • Disinformation
  • AI Fake News
  • False News
  • Guides
Trending

Vittal: Police file case against private web news portal for spreading false information

July 13, 2025

‘We’re in various stages of grief and still trying to make sense of what just happened’

July 13, 2025

Misinformation is already a problem during natural disasters in Texas. AI chatbots aren't helping – The Daily Gazette

July 13, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Web StatWeb Stat
  • Home
  • News
  • United Kingdom
  • Misinformation
  • Disinformation
  • AI Fake News
  • False News
  • Guides
Subscribe
Web StatWeb Stat
Home»Misinformation
Misinformation

SAFETY

News RoomBy News RoomJanuary 12, 20253 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Email LinkedIn Tumblr

Meta’s Shift Away from Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns over Misinformation Surge in Nigeria

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Meta’s recent decision to abandon its established fact-checking program in favor of a community-driven moderation system known as Community Notes has triggered widespread apprehension among experts and stakeholders in Nigeria. This policy shift, effective January 7, 2025, raises significant concerns about the potential for a surge in misinformation and its consequential impact on an already fragile information ecosystem. Nigeria, a nation grappling with deep-seated ethnic and religious tensions, is particularly vulnerable to the spread of false narratives, making this policy change a matter of urgent concern.

The crux of the issue lies in Meta’s prioritization of high-severity violations, such as terrorism and hate speech, over the fact-checking of potentially misleading information. While addressing these critical violations is undoubtedly important, experts argue that neglecting fact-checking creates a fertile ground for the proliferation of misinformation, which can be just as damaging, if not more so, in the long run. This shift in focus comes at a precarious time for Nigeria, which has recently witnessed the devastating impact of misinformation during the 2023 elections.

The 2023 Nigerian elections served as a stark reminder of the potency of misinformation in manipulating public opinion and inciting violence. A deluge of false claims, estimated at over 100 per day, flooded social media platforms, exacerbating existing tensions and contributing to real-world conflicts. Doctored photos were used to incite ethnic violence in Plateau State, while misleading narratives fueled the ongoing farmers-herders conflict, further destabilizing an already volatile situation. These instances underscore the dire need for robust mechanisms to combat the spread of false information, particularly in politically charged environments.

Shirly Ewang, a prominent voice at Gatefield, a leading public advocacy firm, has expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of Meta’s policy change. She argues that Community Notes, while promoting transparency, will be inadequate in stemming the tide of misinformation. The inherent nature of online platforms allows harmful content to spread rapidly, often before community-based corrections can be implemented. This "viral velocity" of misinformation renders reactive measures like Community Notes largely ineffective in mitigating the damage.

Ewang emphasizes the urgency of a multi-pronged approach to address this looming crisis. She calls on the Nigerian government and civil society organizations to prioritize media literacy programs, equipping citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to identify and discern false information. Furthermore, she urges tech companies, including Meta, to develop localized solutions that are sensitive to the specific challenges faced by Nigeria. These solutions should prioritize proactive measures to prevent the spread of misinformation rather than relying solely on reactive corrections.

The stakes are high for Nigeria. The unchecked proliferation of misinformation poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic processes and social harmony. The ability to access accurate and reliable information is fundamental to informed decision-making, both in the political arena and in everyday life. As Nigeria navigates its complex political and social landscape, the need for effective measures to combat misinformation has never been more critical. The international community must also play a role, supporting initiatives that promote media literacy and holding tech companies accountable for the content shared on their platforms. The fight against misinformation is a global challenge that requires collective action and a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of information ecosystems worldwide.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
News Room
  • Website

Keep Reading

Misinformation is already a problem during natural disasters in Texas. AI chatbots aren't helping – The Daily Gazette

Why We Identify With Deadly Misinformation – Byline Times

Iran Embassy In India Flags ‘Fake Channels’ Spreading Misinformation To Harm Ties | India News

X’s Community Notes: Over 90% Go Unnoticed, Raising Questions About Their Effectiveness in Combating Misinformation

Did cloud seeding cause Texas floods? Misinformation spreads as severe flooding strikes US

Kanwar Yatra Misinformation: UP Police Book X Handle Over Fake Vandalism Claims – Deccan Herald

Editors Picks

‘We’re in various stages of grief and still trying to make sense of what just happened’

July 13, 2025

Misinformation is already a problem during natural disasters in Texas. AI chatbots aren't helping – The Daily Gazette

July 13, 2025

Lawyer disbarred over false police report

July 12, 2025

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Pezeshkian was used to spread disinformation.

July 12, 2025

Children’s Trust Escambia County Commissioners at odds over taxes

July 12, 2025

Latest Articles

Why We Identify With Deadly Misinformation – Byline Times

July 12, 2025

Researchers warn of manipulation of recall information

July 12, 2025

‘REALLY GOOD EXERCISE,’ RODGERS POSITIVE AFTER KT’S FALSE START

July 12, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest TikTok Instagram
Copyright © 2025 Web Stat. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.