Nigerian Minister Confronts Damaging Effects of Viral Fake News
-
Fake news on social media nearly destroyed Lai Mohammed's 40-year marriage when his wife confronted him about having $1.3 billion in a foreign bank account.
-
As Information Minister, Mohammed had to convince his wife the story was false by showing her budget appropriations proving it was impossible.
-
Fake news spread rampantly against the Buhari administration, including claims he died and was replaced by a clone.
-
Mohammed warns fake news has grown more advanced using AI to manipulate audio/video realistically to spread disinformation.
-
He advocates regulating social media platforms and holding them accountable for amplifying fake news that undermines democracy and public safety.