A Nigerian Journalist, Mr. Ibanga Isine, has called for urgent measures to tackle fake news, hate speech and algorithm war, which could undermine the peace and development of the society.
To tackle Fake News, Isine told journalists and social media publishers to verify before publishing – cross-check information with credible, official, and multiple sources, pause before breaking news – Speed should not override accuracy or safety, use fact-checking tools – Google Reverse Image Search, TinEye, InVid, Claim Review, among others.
He further stressed the need for them to avoid anonymous or unverified tips – Treat them as leads, not stories, correct errors quickly – Post transparent corrections when mistakes happen, label unverified information clearly – If something is developing, state it plainly.
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Isine, Managing Editor, GuardPost Nigeria, who spoke at 2025 Uyo Social Media Week organised by Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, asked journalists to understand the legal and ethical definitions of hate speech in Nigeria, and avoid amplifying hateful content – Report responsibly without repeating slurs or inflammatory claims.
Speaking on the paper entitled: Understanding Fake News, Hate Speech And Algorithm Wars, he said to counter Hate Speech demands providing context – help audiences understand underlying issues rather than inflaming tensions, using conflict-sensitive reporting techniques – adopt language that calms rather than provokes, highlighting voices that promote peace and inclusion, not those that inflame division, and moderating comment sections – ensure your platforms don’t become channels for hate.
On countering Algorithm War, the Managing Editor opined the need to diversify your sources – don’t depend solely on algorithmically-driven feeds, and engage audiences with verified, high-quality content – Platforms reward credibility over time.
‘‘Understand how algorithms work – Know what triggers visibility, virality, and echo chambers and avoid clickbait and sensationalism – They feed the same systems that reward fake news,’’ he stated.
Isine who highlighted the impact on Society to include weakening trust in media, government, and institutions, escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, political radicalisation and division as well as threats to democracy, elections, and national unity.
‘‘Fake news, hate speech, and algorithm wars are shaping Nigeria’s information landscape. Citizens, journalists, bloggers, policymakers, and institutions must work together to defend truth, peace, and democracy,’’ he advised.
In his paper on the theme: Balancing speed with accuracy in online reporting, Cletus Ukpong noted that ‘‘One of the big advantages of online media is the room for multimedia (texts, video, sound). Another big advantage is speed. But the speed in the delivery of news reports places reporters and editors under tremendous pressure, always.’’
Ukpong, who is the Editor, South-South/South-East, Premium Times, explained that to achieve accuracy in reporting, newsroom should develop guidelines/policies, and have an established culture regarding its operations.
‘‘For instance, there should be guidelines/policy on how to source news from social media or other sources. (BBC editorial policy states, inter-alia: ‘Where appropriate to the output and wherever possible, content makers should: gather material using first-hand sources, validate the authenticity of documentary evidence and digital material, corroborate claims and allegations made by contributors,’’ he pointed out.
The opening session featured: Digital Media and Governance: Bridging the Gap, presented by Akwa Ibom Information Commissioner, Aniekan Umanah.
Mitigating Social Media Crisis was presented by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air; Regulating Digital Publishing Without Gagging Free Speech by Barr. Ewa Okpo; QueenPraise John (Nrindioma) delved into Creating Viral and Impactful Content.
The session was wrapped up with a paper on Building Your Personal Brand by Dr. Magnus Chukwuekezie, Regional Manager, Keystone Bank.
