Senior Safety Analyst | Life FIEB | PGD PM | PGD BA | LL. B | ISO 45001: 2008 OHSMS | Boiler safety | Chemical safety | PGD-Mental health & well-being | HSE | Electrical safety I Solar system
I am writing this piece to raise awareness within us, who often share whatever they find on social media without verifying its authenticity. For those of us who use social media, it’s become quite clear that social media has gradually turned into a significant hub for spreading rumors. Rumors existed before, they exist now, and they will continue to exist in the future. However, it is up to all of us to step forward and combat this issue. Many people spread rumors in the hope of gaining likes or for other malicious purposes, which is actually harmful to others. I took a training on digital journalism from Reuters, and based on what I've learned through various sources, I am sharing the following points: 1. Before sharing any content, it is crucial to verify its authenticity and be sure of its truthfulness. Blindly sharing any kind of post should be avoided. 2. If you see any rumor on your wall, if you cannot do anything else, at least report it immediately and block the pages or individuals spreading such rumors. 3. If someone spreads rumors for fame and it is proven, strict actions will be taken under the laws of the country. The Cyber Security Act includes various penalties for spreading false information or rumors in cyberspace. So, without proper knowledge and understanding, do not ruin your life and family’s reputation by spreading rumors in a moment of overenthusiasm. 4. Do not believe any information published on social media without a reliable source or medium. 5. Use fact-checking sites (such as Rumor Scanner, Fact Watch, Boom Bangladesh, Dismislab, Ajker Patrika) to verify the authenticity of information. 6. By using social media responsibly, with the light of patriotism, religious, and moral education, you can help prevent the spread of false information. 7. If you become a victim of defamation due to rumors, you can file a defamation case under the Penal Code of 1860. Additionally, if anyone spreads false information or rumors about you in cyberspace, you can file a case under the Cyber Security Act of 2023. In such cases, you need to contact law enforcement with appropriate evidence, including the link, screenshots, and other relevant information about the rumor-spreading account. Author: Mahmudul Hasan
