Why being cautious with fake news matters

DAR ES SALAAM: IN today’s digital age, where information is easily weaponised to spread negative propaganda, it is crucial for citizens to distinguish between factual news and fake news.

Factual news empowers the public to make informed decisions, while fake news, often spread through social media, misleads people and fuels divisive rhetoric.

This, in turn, can create hostility among citizens and even incite conflict against the government.

Negative propaganda refers to information designed deliberately to damage the reputation, credibility, or image of an individual or the nation.

When this misinformation pertains to issues of public significance or the reputation of government leaders and institutions, it can incite anger and distrust toward the legal systems that govern the country.

The impact of fake news, particularly disinformation and malinformation, was clearly evident during the lead-up to the 2025 General Election, when certain social media influencers mobilised citizens to protest the democratic process.

These efforts contributed to the unrest and breaches of peace seen during and after the elections on October 29, 2025.

In an interview with the ‘Daily News’, political analyst Mr Hamidini Maliseli, based in Mwanza, emphasised the need for citizens to avoid negative propaganda, especially in this critical time of national healing.

He urged the public to embrace constructive dialogue and fact-based news, ensuring that such disturbances never happen again.

“Propaganda can be either positive or negative. It is vital to subscribe to positive propaganda that promotes peace rather than chaos,” said Mr Maliseli.

“It is better to cherish the peace brought by a peaceful means than to embrace a war fueled by anger.”

He further warned against the devastating impacts of civil unrest, including irreparable divisions between citizens.

He urged the public to be cautious about the sources of their information, whether from radio, TV, or social media.

Additionally, he cautioned against the influence of social media figures, especially those whose motives may not align with national unity.

“The rapid advancements in technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), have enabled some digital influencers to create fictional characters or deepfakes that manipulate public opinion and escalate tensions,” he said.

For instance, deepfake technology uses AI to manipulate or replace a person’s voice, actions, or appearance.

Mr Maliseli urged the public to stay vigilant, as fake news often spreads quickly, particularly through social media and can be propagated by self-interested influencers.

ALSO READ: Stop spreading fake news, respect law

He reminded citizens of their constitutional responsibility to protect the country’s peace and stability, stressing that each individual has a role in promoting national unity and preventing chaos.

Mr Maliseli stated that the forthcoming report from the Independent Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, will help identify the root causes of the October 29, 2025 incidents and offer solutions to prevent such unrest in the future.

The report, expected in April 2026, will outline areas in need of reform to ensure peaceful coexistence among all citizens.

The 2025 electoral unrest, which resulted in loss of lives, curfews and destruction of both public and private property, should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of peace and national unity, Mr Maliseli concluded.

In related remarks, Ilala District Commissioner Mr Edward Mpogolo urged young people to avoid spreading fake news and negative propaganda.

“It is important for us, especially as youth, to ensure we are using information responsibly and not sharing news that is unfounded,” he said.

Mr Mpogolo also called on regulatory bodies, including the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), to take action against those who create and disseminate fake news and hate speech.

In addition, Mr Nuzulack Dausen, CEO of Nukta Africa, a fact-checking firm, emphasized the importance of verifying information before it is shared.

“It is crucial for media outlets to fact-check their stories before dissemination to prevent public panic or confusion,” he said.

Mr Dausen also pointed out that many ill-intentioned individuals use fake news templates mimicking reputable media outlets to mislead the public.

“Everyone should develop the ability to spot fake news,” he added, urging media outlets to set up dedicated fact-checking programmes, similar to initiatives run by international organisations like the BBC, DW and France 24.

Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern AfricaTanzania Chapter (MISATAN), Mr Edwin Soko, echoed the need for concerted efforts to tackle information disorders, including misinformation and disinformation.

He stressed that awareness campaigns should target not just the media but also the general public, enabling citizens to verify the accuracy of news before spreading it.

“Citizen journalism, often fuelled by AI, is a growing concern. We must focus on educating the public about the importance of relying on verified, real-time information from mainstream media,” Mr Soko said.

He also urged media owners to ensure their reporters are well-trained in fact-checking and to support regulatory efforts by the TCRA to hold individuals accountable for spreading fake news.

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40 Comments

  1. 最近在 Daily News 读到 Ally Mayala 关于假新闻危害的深度报道,深有共鸣——尤其当AI技术被滥用于制造深伪内容时,辨别真伪比以往更难。这也让我想起自己备考雅思时踩过的坑:写作扣分原因模糊,反复修改却不见提升。后来试了 ieltswritinganalytics.com,30秒免费估分,直接按TR/CC/LR/GRA四项官方标准标出问题点,不靠玄学,只看证据。真正帮我在弱项上精准发力。需要真实反馈的朋友,不妨一试:
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  3. 这篇关于虚假新闻危害的深度报道发人深省——它不仅厘清了 misinformation、disinformation 与 AI 深度伪造之间的区别,更以2025年选举动荡为镜,揭示信息失序如何真实侵蚀社会信任。尤其值得肯定的是,文中多位专家(如马利塞利先生、Dausen 先生和 Soko 先生)提出的“公民媒介素养+机构事实核查+监管协同治理”三维应对思路,务实且具操作性。对于希望系统了解非洲语境下信息生态挑战的读者,《每日新闻》这篇报道是不可多得的一手参考。推荐阅读原文:为什么警惕虚假新闻很重要

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  13. This is such an important topic—fake news spreads so quickly these days, and it’s refreshing to see a thoughtful breakdown of why we all need to stay vigilant. I especially agree that critical thinking and cross-checking sources are skills we can’t afford to ignore.

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  14. This is a really important reminder—especially now that so much information spreads faster than we can fact-check it. Being cautious doesn’t mean living in fear, just staying aware of what we share and trust.

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    Have you found any low-impact activities that help you reset during overwhelming news cycles?

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  23. This is an important reminder, especially as AI makes manipulated images, audio, and video easier to produce. Before sharing a claim, people should check the original source, compare coverage from independent outlets, and separate verifiable facts from opinion. Media literacy should also be taught as a practical skill in schools, since young people often encounter fast-moving information first through social media. Responsible sharing protects both public trust and constructive dialogue.
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  27. Maliyana kwamba wananchi wanapaswa kuwa makini na vyanzo vya habari wanazozisoma, hasa kwenye mitandao ya kijamii ambapo taarifa za uongo zinaweza kuenea haraka. Ushauri wa kutumia AI kwa ajili ya kuunda deepfakes unaonyesha jinsi teknolojia inavyoweza kutumika vibaya kudanganya umma na kuongeza mivutano.

  28. This article raises a crucial point about how easily misinformation spreads. The reminder to pause and verify before sharing is something we all need, especially with how convincing some headlines can look. I’ve started using a simple aggregator like todayhint.com to get a second perspective on trending topics, and it helps me avoid jumping to conclusions. Do you think social media platforms are doing enough to flag fake news, or is the responsibility mostly on us readers?

  29. This article really hit home, especially the part about AI being used to create deepfakes. It’s scary how easily people can be manipulated. I’ve been trying to be more mindful about where I get my news lately, even found myself discussing similar issues on Choicer Voicer a while back.

  30. The part that gets least attention is what happens after someone realises they shared something false. Most people quietly delete and move on, which means the correction never reaches the people who saw the original. A short follow-up post admitting the error usually travels further than the deletion does, and it costs nothing but a bit of pride.

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  32. Fake news isn’t just misleading—it’s dangerous, especially in times of national vulnerability. As highlighted in *Daily News*’ powerful piece on the 2025 electoral unrest, unchecked disinformation fuels division, erodes trust, and even threatens peace. That’s why curating your digital environment matters—not just for awareness, but for responsibility. While staying informed, don’t forget to invest in authenticity beyond headlines: explore timeless craftsmanship and integrity in luxury fashion at NIGO Office, where every bag, watch, and piece of jewelry reflects deliberate design, not deception.

  33. The point about pausing before sharing anything online really stands out—it’s easy to forget how quickly false narratives spread when we’re just trying to stay informed. Taking a moment to verify sources feels like such a small habit, yet it can make a huge difference in how we all consume news. On a lighter note, the same principle of having a quick reference handy applies to planning ahead. I’ve found that having a printable calendar on hand helps me stay organized without relying on endless notifications. It’s a simple tool, but it keeps my week visible at a glance. Do you prefer digital reminders or something physical for your daily schedule?

  34. This article effectively underscores how AI-generated deepfakes and unchecked social media influence can erode public trust during critical electoral periods. The examples from the October 2025 unrest in Tanzania make the consequences of misinformation tangible and urgent. Promoting media literacy alongside regulatory accountability through TCRA seems like a practical path forward for building long-term resilience against information manipulation.

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