The Punjab Police initiated a week-long awareness campaign on Friday to educate the state’s youth about the significance of verifying online information before sharing it. The campaign, titled ‘Tips & Tricks,’ aims to guide individuals on how to identify fake news, providing step-by-step methods to combat misinformation.
A senior police officer explained that unverified and altered content, especially during Valentine’s Week, often spreads across social media platforms, potentially causing harm to individuals or communities. The goal is to raise awareness and prevent legal issues associated with the uncritical sharing of false information.
The police outlined several steps for identifying fake news: First, “check the source” to ensure the news comes from a credible and reliable source. Second, “cross-verify with trusted news outlets” by comparing the information with reputable newspapers, news channels, and government platforms. Third, “look for red flags” such as sensational headlines or grammatical errors, which are typical signs of misinformation. The fourth step involves using tools like reverse image search and Face Check to “fact-check images and videos” and spot manipulated visuals.
The campaign also cautioned the youth about deepfakes, emphasizing the importance of verifying videos and photos before sharing. The police are urging individuals to “Think Before You Forward” during Valentine’s Week, as misinformation spreads quickly, especially on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
“As we celebrate love and trust this week, let’s also commit to fighting misinformation and safeguarding our digital spaces,” said the officer.
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