Check unauthenticated news outlets : Ranjan

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 17: There is a need to regulate and check pages and channels posing as news outlets on social media platforms, said Information Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan today.
He made the statement during an award distribution ceremony held for short video competition “Kanglei Ningol amadi Mataroi shing” at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul. The competition was organised by RK Production Family.
Speaking at the event as chief guest, Dr Sapam Ranjan said rampant mushrooming of unverified “news channels” on social media poses a threat to the public. They pose the risk of disinformation being spread to the public.
With advancing communication technology, social media is becoming more and more popular among the people.
There are many handles disseminating information on social media as “news channels” without checking the authenticity of the information they are spreading. These so-called channels also lack ethical approaches, he hinted.
To check disinformation, there is a need to regulate such channels on social media under a system. There has been discussion about this, the Minister said.
There are also channels on Youtube which are spreading information of various kinds for public consumption. These channels should also study the information they have and verify them before publishing. Otherwise, they may mislead people with the wrong information, he said.
Stating Manipur has many talented youths, he encouraged them to hone their talents and also promote tradition and culture on all platforms.
RK Production Family president Kavita Hijam, Wangkhei Assembly Constituency MLA Th Arunkumar, Khetrigao Assembly Constituency MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Imphal West Up-Adhyaksha L Bobby Devi, Wahengbam Irrigation Enterprises proprietor Wahengbam Jadumani, Medilane Foundation MD Dr M Pibarel Meitei attended the event as dignitaries. The short video competition was held on the theme of Ningol Chakkouba.