Although this is not a new phenomenon, fake news now has a much greater impact due to the power of social media. It is a viral and global phenomenon that affects every corner of the world and plagues the media landscape. In Africa, as in the rest of the world, fake news spreads at lightning speed, particularly during this health crisis when social media use is skyrocketing, facilitating the spread of false information.
Actors on the continent are taking the issue seriously and contributing at their level to the fight against this phenomenon.
In Côte d'Ivoire, the audiovisual production agency Likasa has produced a series of digital videos to raise awareness among the Ivorian population about the spread of the coronavirus.
The series is entitled "Allo Covid?" and is presented as an infoline concept to help curb the spread of fake news circulating on social media about the pandemic. Various rumors and theories that are creating a buzz are verified and then used in a humorous and offbeat tone.
Personalities such as comedian Willy Dumbo and Missa N'Dry are taking part in the initiative. According to Likasa's CEO Laurène Sénéchal, the aim of this web series is to use humor and new digital formats to spread the right messages and facilitate their dissemination by targeting the younger generation.
"The other virus is fake news. Let's avoid sharing it."
Chedjou Kamdem, founder of the CM d'Afrique platform and a leading figure on the African web, has also joined the fight against fake news.
In collaboration with Adicomdays, Chedjou Kamdem distributes weekly voice notes with tips on how to identify fake news about COVID-19.
Find out more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k3ruSv7sY4