A new report by fact-checking platform Misbar has revealed that Morocco was bombarded with fake news in June, placing it as the third-most targeted country behind war-torn Yemen and Palestine.
The report identified roughly 15 fabricated news stories to destabilize the North African nation.
Misbar flagged a particularly dangerous hoax alleging Moroccan troop deployment alongside the Israeli military in the Gaza conflict.
The false story gained traction on Algerian media and social media accounts, highlighting the potential for fabricated news to inflame regional tensions.
Cybersecurity expert Anas Abu Al Kalam told Hespress Ar that the rampant misinformation is due to several factors.
The expert says widespread social media use creates a breeding ground for the rapid and unchecked circulation of falsehoods.
Further exacerbating the issue is the presence of some social media influencers prioritizing attention-grabbing content over journalistic integrity.
Abu Al Kalam said that the fight against fake news necessitates a nuanced approach, calling for a multi-pronged strategy encompassing education initiatives to teach citizens media literacy, legal measures to deter the spread of disinformation, and technological tools to identify and remove fake content.
Abu Al Kalam says Morocco’s political and social landscape makes it a prime target for those seeking to manipulate public opinion.
The expert said that fake news can be weaponized to sow discord, erode trust in institutions, and ultimately threaten national security.
The cybersecurity expert said public awareness campaigns are crucial to educating citizens on fact-checking techniques.
He added that bolstering legal frameworks and leveraging technology to disrupt the spread of disinformation are essential steps.
Abu Al Kalam said collaboration between the government, media outlets, and tech companies is crucial. This collective effort should be coupled with encouraging responsible social media behavior, urging users to verify information before sharing, and prioritizing credible sources.
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