A platform to detect fake news “TuniFact” has been launched in Arabic and French, as part of the project to support freedom of expression and information, in partnership with organisation Hivos, announced the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT).
Speaking at a press conference Monday, editor of TuniFact Arbi Samti said preparations for the launch of this platform began last January.
It has the mission of checking the veracity of spread news and published videos and statements.
He pointed to the high number of false news and rumors that have invaded the Tunisian public scene and their impact on public opinion.
This requires developing a common vision to disseminate quality media content, he said.
“The platform will allow journalist to fact check based on scientific methods, in addition to traditional methods of contacting sources directly and make the necessary cross-checking,” he said. “A state cannot be built in a society driven by rumor,” he indicated.
Nouri Lajmi, president of the Independent High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) noted that some seek to disseminate fake news, especially regarding elections, either in Tunisia or abroad.
Lajmi called for imposing the credibility of information in Tunisia and combating fake news and their dangers in directing public opinion.
The president of HAICA said it is necessary to develop fact checking techniques.
He announced the signing of agreements with 11 media, including TAP news agency, the National Radio, Mosaique FM and Shems FM to check fake news.

Source: TAP News Agency