Spreading fake news on Facebook

Almost in every part of the globe, use of social media has become a common phenomenon for people. Facebook is one of the most popular social media in the world. People like to post their thoughts, share news and comment on different issues by using this online-based platform.

It is often seen that rumours are easily spread on Facebook. In 2012, after a Facebook post went viral in the village of Cox's Bazar district called Ramu, many houses of local residents and ancient temples were vandalised by the mob. Later it was found that fake news was spread on Facebook and that made people crazy about attacking minorities of that area.

The government can play a vital role to stop rumours from spreading on Facebook by making people aware and introducing strict laws.

If people are made aware of the drawbacks of fake news on social media, they will not be inspired to post anything they see online. Unauthorised news portals should be banned because fake news is spread on these news portals too.

Md Al-Amin

Bangladesh University

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