Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) director general Daud Suleman has backed the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning and testing of an integrated system to track misinformation and disinformation trends in Malawi.
Responding to questionnaire, Suleman said a communications regulator should implement a misinformation and fake news trend analysis platform to effectively address the growing challenges posed by false information in the digital age.
“Such a platform can support regulatory, societal, and operational goals while ensuring a balanced and informed communications ecosystem.
“The reasons behind the system include safeguarding Public Interest and National Security by mitigating harmful content as misinformation can incite panic, disrupt social harmony, and exacerbate political or health crises like election-related fake news or COVID-19 misinformation.
“It is also used in identifying trends in misinformation helps anticipate and prevent potential threats to national security or public safety, such as false information that could fuel unrest. A trend analysis platform ensures that broadcasters, digital platforms, and telecom operators comply with content standards and regulations.
“It provides actionable insights to enforce penalties for platforms or individuals spreading harmful misinformation. It also encourages compliance from social media and digital platforms by demonstrating a regulator’s capability to track trends.
“It also allows the regulator to run targeted public education campaigns to debunk fake news and promote critical thinking. The system also empowers citizens to recognize and avoid falling victim to fake news by highlighting misinformation trends,” he said
Suleman further said once installed, the platform can support collaboration between the regulator, law enforcement, media houses, tech companies, and civil society organizations to combat misinformation and enables collaboration with content platforms to remove or flag harmful content more efficiently.
“A proactive approach to misinformation demonstrates the regulator’s commitment to protecting the integrity of communications and digital platforms. Boosting Digital Ecosystem Confidence: Ensures that digital platforms are reliable spaces for communication, fostering trust among consumers and investors.
“Insights from trend analysis can guide evidence-based policy-making and the refinement of regulations to address emerging digital challenges and also enables the regulator to measure the effectiveness of existing policies and interventions against misinformation.
“Misinformation often transcends borders; trend analysis can support regional partnerships (e.g., within SADC) to address shared issues. It keeps the regulator aligned with international best practices in managing misinformation and fake news. Identifies misinformation targeting specific communities, languages, or groups, enabling tailored countermeasures.Protects populations from scams and deceptive content proliferated by bad actors,” he said
By implementing a misinformation and fake news trend analysis platform, Suleman said a communications regulator can foster a safer, more reliable information ecosystem, protect public trust, and uphold the integrity of digital communications.
“This platform becomes a cornerstone of responsible digital governance in an increasingly interconnected world. There is only one type of fake news and misinformation on digital platforms; non factual elements that are being shared and propelled. This will be analysed.
“We first advertised the RFP on 13 Sept 2024, and both The Nation and Times carried the adverts. The PPDA website carried the advert as well as other recommended international tender websites. This is a normal regulatory system that a number of them do use. I don’t a certain number but I know that monitoring of fake news and misinformation is now a mandatory function for regulators.
“You need to understand what the system does; trend analysis. It compiles reports on trends; it doesn’t stop or pinpoint who is doing misinformation.. it’s an analysis tool on trends. Given this explanation, because this is how these systems work; you will see that there is no violation of freedom. Analyzing trends in fake news would not violate any freedom. The law, as per section 151 allows MACRA to procure systems to enhance consumer protection,” he said
