Calling IT: Let's fight COVID Fake News

While we ALL are fighting this world menace COVID19 we all are also fighting another huge challenge and that is Fake News and Disinformation. Not a single day has passed in last couple of months since almost all of us would not have received fake news, rumours and many of us might have also forwarded it intentionally or intentionally.

I think, there are so many similarities between Fake News and Covid19.

• Both are highly contagious.
• Both are equally dangerous for health and society.
• Both affect ALL - irrespective of borders, religion, social status or anything else.
• Both require Awareness and Action at individual level to stop the spread.

During this global crisis, where Health workers are the front line warriors along with Government and Law Enforcement agencies, we from IT should also do our bit. IT professionals all across globe are already playing huge role in keeping the essential services Online but we also need to be vigilant in identification and stopping the spread of Fake News and Disinformation. So many of us are certified and experienced in Security, Compliance, Quality, Project and Risk Management and we have this Expertise and Knack to identify the threats. (for example: We know how phishing is done using morphing and fake links, IDs etc). We have resources at our disposal to know what are authentic sources of information and what are rumours. Right now, most of us are already Working from Home so a little effort from us could save the world from false news, rumours and save lot of people of unnecessary anxiety and panic.

One basic tip I could share from my experience is that before forwarding any information, Take a Pause, THINK and ask couple of questions from yourself. Do you see a source? Is it certified by the Government or any other certified National or International Organisation (like WHO, IMF or UNICEF etc)? If not don’t push it forward. There could be many more such tips.

Let’s come together to spread Authentic and Positive information and continue to play constructive role in fighting this pandemic.

Together We All Will Overcome and Emerge Winners.