The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority – ZICTA has warned members of the public to desist from circulating fake and unverified information regarding the CORONA Virus outbreak using various ICT platforms.
It has been observed that some members of the public are promoting fake posts on COVID-19 which is contravening the safety rules provided as mitigative measures and has potential to put people at high risk of contracting the virus if inaccurate information is disseminated.
ZICTA has since urged individuals including bloggers, various WhatsApp and Facebook group administrators, editors and reporters from mainstream and social media platforms to get reliable, official and verified information from the relevant authorities before sharing it to avoid circulation, broadcasting and publication of fake and alarming information.
In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by ZICTA Corporate Communications Manager Ngabo Nankonde on March 19, 2020, the authority has reminded the public that the circulation and publication of falsehoods with the intent to cause fear and alarm to the public, is an offence and is prosecutable under the penal code.
ZICTA has since pledged its commitment to support the law enforcement agencies such as Zambia Police Service to ensure that those who break the law by circulating falsehoods and misleading information on CPVID-19 on any ICT platform are brought to book as the authority is mandated by law to oversee safe and responsible use of ICT.
Ngabo said combating this pandemic requires the responsible involvement of every Zambian hence the need for people to come on board and play an active role and use social media wisely.
“We also wish to encourage members of the public to consider using digital platforms for transactions to avoid close contact whenever they can. Consumers are further encouraged that as they sanitize their hands, they may also remember to sanitize their mobile phone, handsets as well and computer keyboards as an added pre-caution,” She added.
Meanwhile, government has announced that it will be giving timeline statements and hold press briefings regularly to update the nation on any development with regards to COVID-19.
