New website targets fake news

As part of measures to fight fake news ahead of Nigeria’s election in February, a new website called CrossCheck Nigeria has been launched. The Tribune reports that it will allow journalists from newsrooms around the country to work together to investigate and debunk rumours, particularly those circulating on social media. The public will be able to provide tips, post pictures, videos and other information via WhatsApp or the CrossCheck Nigeria website that they want verified. Completed investigations will appear on the site only when at least five partners have approved the work, says the AFP news agency, which is backing the initiative. Dayo Aiyetan, the executive director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting which is overseeing the project, said the media was responsible for ensuring that the information ‘churned out on social media is true’. See AfricaAnalyses