Media urged to safeguard democracy against misinformation

DAR ES SALAAM: Editors and journalists in Tanzania have been urged to exercise extra vigilance in gathering and publishing news, particularly in the run-up to the October 29, 2025 General Election, in order to safeguard democracy against misinformation and fake news generated through artificial intelligence.

Speaking at a two-day training for editors and reporters in Dar es Salaam, organized by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), the Council’s Programme Manager, Josephat Mwanzi, cautioned that some fabricated stories circulating online are aimed at tarnishing reputations and causing public anxiety.

“We must be very careful with our content. We need greater newsroom vigilance, especially during this election season,” said Mwanzi.

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On his part, Daniel Mwingira, a trainer from Nukta Africa, highlighted various methods of detecting AI-generated information and images, including verifying the source, checking the timing and context, and using fact-checking platforms such as Jamii Check before sharing questionable content.

Also speaking during the training, the Executive Officer of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), William Shoo, revealed that more than 37 million Tanzanians have registered to vote, with 85 percent of them relying on mainstream media, blogs, and social media for accurate information.

He emphasized that media preparations should begin at least three months before the election, focusing on fact-checking skills, data journalism, and knowledge of electoral laws.

Shoo further reminded journalists that the Media Services Act of 2016 and its 2017 Regulations provide binding guidelines that media outlets must observe, warning that violations could result in fines or imprisonment.

“We must have a clear strategy to verify sources, consult experts, and correct inaccurate information within two hours to strengthen public trust,” he stressed.

Retired Judge Robert Makaramba also addressed the participants, noting the growing challenge of “digital mercenaries” and urging the development of a national culture of resilience against misinformation.