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Stopping Fake News During The Pandemic

Suryanshi

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonora tweeted that the drug used to treat malaria may be the miracle cure for Corona Virus. A few days ago, a man died after ingesting a product meant to clean fish tanks, as it contains hydroxychloroquine, the same drug used to treat ‘malaria’. #fake_news_killed_a_man.


False information about COVID-19 can be a matter of life or death. Recently most of us heard, “Eats huge amounts of garlic to prevent corona virus” or “Apply turmeric paste on feet to prevent corona virus” or maybe “Mosquitoes help in spread of corona virus”. They are believable, aren’t they? Well, unfortunately they are fake. How can we stop the spread of fake news during this pandemic?

They first step would be to identify them. Let’s see how we can differentiate between fake and true messages -
  • “Daniel Radcliffe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pope Francis tested positive for corona virus” this false news was trending over social media and people kept forwarding it. Messages with the "Forwarded" label help you determine if your friend or relative wrote it. If you're not sure who wrote the original message, double check the facts.


  • Many successful pieces of fake news circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook about COVID-19 start with “a friend who has an uncle in Wuhan” or “a friend whose dad works at the centre of disease control”. These messages are 100% fake - DO NOT pass them on.

  • Some messages try to authorize their writing by saying “according to the Taiwanese/Japanese doctors”, “Stanford university” or other sources. Check the official websites and see if they provide any such information before forwarding them.

  • Just because numerous friends and family have shared the same message to you, it does not make the message true – they could have all fallen for a story that seems official but falls short on facts.

I know it’s simpler to just read the message and forward but let us spare a few extra minutes to check if the information is authentic and let us contribute to the welfare of the society during the tough times of this pandemic. The government is taking strict action against the propagators of fake news. Be aware and stay safe.


Here's how you can keep your network safe https://www.thehackerforum.com/post/network


Here's how you can stay secure online https://www.thehackerforum.com/post/anonymity


Here's the USB Rubber Duck tutorial https://www.thehackerforum.com/post/usbducky


Here's the compete guide to start hacking https://www.thehackerforum.com/post/hacking

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