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"Fake News" A Global Crisis
Politicians around the world call legitimate journalism that is critical to them "fake news." Some repressive regimes use it as an excuse to jail reporters -- undermining the role of the press and fanning mistrust of journalists. At the same time, false information deceptively presented as legitimate news and spread online has become a powerful and troubling force in the world.
When terrorists killed more than 200 people in Sri Lanka, including worshipers at St. Anthony's Church, seen here, no Easter 2019, the government temporarily shut down access to Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube, fearing misinformation would incite more violence. Critics said the move also closed down access to critical information.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has targeted Rappler, a news website critical of his policies and that he calls "fake news." Rappler founder and editor Maria Ressa, pictured here, has been arrested multiple times, accused of libel and tax evasion.
The Russian foreign ministry website labels critical news stories by Western journalists "fake news." US investigations say Russia is the force behind the false news stories that spread during recent elections in the United States, Germany and France.
Venezuela's Crushing Censorship
Venezuela's independent press has been virtually wiped out under President Nicolas Madura, leaving coverage to state-controlled broadcasters and pro-government newspapers. In 2017, authorities shut down more than 40 radio stations. Starved of newsprint from a national shortage, the last independent daily, El Nacional, stopped printed at the end of 2018, and its website, like other Venezuelan online media, is often blocked. Journalists are routinely detained or arrested, their equipment seized and videos or photos erased.
Six Univision journalists were detailed in 2019 after anchor Jorge Ramos, left, confronted President Nicolas Madura with footage of Venezuelans rummaging through garbage for something to eat. The video was confiscated and the journalists were deported. |