South Africa wants to create a ‘Ministry of Truth’

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced interventions to address misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in South Africa.

She wants the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to fact-check content and proactively debunk deepfakes and tactical misinformation.

The Government Communication and Information System will also provide accurate information to counter fake news.

Ntshavheni shared this information as part of her address about the GCIS’s Budget Vote at the Good Hope Chamber, Parliament.

“The problem of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, generally characterised as fake news, remains a serious challenge,” she said.

“We have observed the contribution of digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) as theatres and tools of disinformation and misinformation.”

She highlighted that the situation is exacerbated by the fact that South Africans are the most propagandised people in the world.

“South Africans are amongst the most misinformed and disconnected from reality regarding the state of their own nation,” she said.

“Therefore, the GCIS’s response to misinformation and disinformation must be deliberate and systematic.”

She said South Africa’s National AI Policy must compel digital media platforms to disclose the AI-generated content.

The platforms must also prohibit the broadcasting of fake and misleading news about South Africa.

While the AI policy is being developed, the GCIS will engage with digital platform owners to reach an agreement on the two proposed principles.

Ntshavheni announced that the GCIS is preparing the government’s fact-checking capability to proactively debunk deepfakes and tactical misinformation.

“This measure seeks to progress the current stamping of fake news, but collating the stamped fake news images, videos, and stories,” she said.

“It will enable individuals to personally check through the creation of a dedicated website supported by a digital platform.”

In addition, the Government Communication and Information System will provide correct facts against the fake news.

“The goal is to position GCIS as the anchor of the truth. Individuals will be able to alert GCIS on suspected fake news which they have come across,” she said.

GCIS is also developing a ‘Quick Guide’ to assist government communicators in effectively countering misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.