CaFFE concerned over social media misinformation posts

It has been reported that an organised campaign is being operated to mislead voters by posting false information on social media, the Campaign for Free and Fair Election (CaFFE) said.

CaFFE Director Surangi Ariyawansha said they had received information that a number of systematic misinformation and fake news campaigns had been circulated to deceive voters.

She said posting misleading and fake news on social media was a series issue for a free and fair election.
"We plan to provide the information we have to the National Elections Commission (NEC) so that it can take immediate steps," she said.

She said the issue of fake news came up after Janasetha Peramuna Presidential Candidate Ven. Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera recently complained to the CaFFE stating that some social media posts on his election manifesto were false or fake.

The Thera said in his complaint that these social media posts had become extremely popular and now it was almost impossible for his party to inform the people of their real policies.

“CaFFE insists that such deliberate misinformation campaigns are extremely dangerous and that immediate steps should be taken to address these concerns,” Ms Ariyawansha said.

The CaFFE said that it had received 161 complaints and most of the incidents were on violations of Election-related laws and misuse of State property. (DSB)