he Indonesian Information and Telecommunications Society (Mastel) has released a new mobile app that enables users to report hoaxes and fake news stories circulating on the internet.
The feature is part of Mastel’s “Turn Back Hoax” campaign, which aims to stamp out the spreading of hoaxes and false news on the internet that often take the form of chain letters, false news sites or images aimed to fool the gullible.
Mastel’s strategic policy director, Teguh Prasetya, said many people had voiced frustration at there being no suitable outlet for them to report false news to, which exacerbated the spreading of false news further.
“All one needs to do on the app is to fill out their standard details: full name and email address, etc. Then screenshot the offending item or paste the link to the app’s section. What is collected will be forwarded to involved parties, such as the Communication and Information Ministry,” he said on Tuesday.
(Read also: Jokowi declares fight against disseminators of fake news)
Mastel will also carefully analyze all reports collected and filter which ones are definite hoaxes and which ones are not and post its findings online.
“Let us work together to support the Turn Back Hoax campaign so that society can return to proper civility with their information,” Teguh added.
The app is available on both Android and iOS. (jun)
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