Probe incidents of spreading false info thru social media

Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday expressed concern over alleged involvement of a quarter linked to the government in spreading false and misleading information through social media.
It also urged the government to conduct probe into the incident to bring the culprits to book and make the probe report public.
The government has recently imposed ban on 30 Facebook pages and Twitter accounts for spreading false and misleading information through social media ahead of the general election slated for December 30.
"Though the government announced tough action against those who were involved in such acts, the authorities concerned seems to be reluctant to take any action against them," TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said in a statement.
It was alleged that the people linked to the government were the perpetrators.
"In their primary investigation, both the Facebook authority and the Twitter authority have mentioned that persons linked to the government may be involved in 'illegal and unauthorised acts' of spreading false and misleading information on social media to influence public perception against the opposition and in favour of the ruling party."
Dr Iftekharuzzaman added: "On one hand it is embarrassing and condemnable and on other hand a vivid example of misusing the social media under the government patronage which is an imminent sign of impeding the growth of the mass media."
Though the Facebook authorities presented specific evidence in support of their allegations instead of taking any steps against the perpetrators, he said, the law enforcement agencies questioned whether Facebook had any political motive behind raising their allegation.
"Such stance of the law enforcers has created apprehension among the people that the perpetrators might not be taken to task and there might be institutional patronage behind their acts."
As it was alleged that the perpetrators were linked to the state power, apprehension over holding of a free and fair election looms large among public mind, Dr Iftekhar pointed out.
Recalling the incidents of creating anarchy in the society by misusing social media, he said it is the government's responsibility to ensure that no quarter would be involved in evil acts of influencing the people's perception through spread of false and misleading information.

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