By Shaffie A Mtambo and Chisomo Phiri
In a significant development, the Concerned Citizens People Power Movement (CC-PPM) has given its stamp of approval to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) plans to procure a misinformation tracking platform. The platform, estimated to cost around 4.5 billion kwacha, aims to track and analyze trends on misinformation and disinformation.
CC-PPM’s decision to support MACRA’s initiative comes after a meeting between the two parties, where MACRA addressed concerns over potential surveillance implications. The regulatory body assured CC-PPM that the platform would only track publicly available false information on social media platforms.
This development is a significant win for MACRA, as it demonstrates the regulatory body’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By engaging with civil society organizations and addressing their concerns, MACRA has shown that it is willing to work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
The approval of the misinformation tracking platform is also a testament to the growing recognition of the need to combat misinformation in Malawi. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of misinformation, MACRA’s platform is poised to play a critical role in promoting media literacy and fact-based information.
