Government Condemns the abuse of Social Media

 Malawi Government has issued a warning against the abuse of social media by the public who are engaging in misinformation and disinformation.

The act aimed at injuring innocent individuals and institutions, has brought concern from the authorities.

In a press release issued by Moses Kunkuyu , the Minister of Information and Digitalisation the government expressed its dismay at the increasing incidences of fake news circulating on social media platforms which include creating fake news, fake pages, and altering publications to mislead the public.

A notable incident involves a false article claiming the government was not pleased with Catholic Bishops for allegedly not participating in the Independence Anniversary National Service of Worship held on July 6, 2024, at BICC in Lilongwe. 

"It is even more disheartening that individuals peddling this false information gave an impression as if this article was published by the official Malawi News Agency" the statement read. 

The government clarified that the Catholic Church in Malawi, through the President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, His Grace Archbishop George Tambala, Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Choir 1, fully participated in the event.

The government reminded the public of its right to protect every individual and institution against deliberate and malicious attacks through false posts on social media. Such acts are deemed unacceptable, illegal, and punishable under the laws of Malawi.

"finally the government would like to call for unity of purpose and patriotism from all citizenry and the public as we continue to celebrate 60 years of our independence," the statement then concluded.