ISLAMABAD: The hugely popular WhatsApp messaging service began a week-long publicity campaign in Pakistan Wednesday offering tips to spot fake news, days before the country holds a general election.
“Together we can fight false information,” says the full-page ad in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English-language daily, listing ten tips on differentiating rumors from fact.
“Many messages containing hoaxes or fake news have spelling mistakes. Look for these signs so you can check if the information is accurate,” it says.
“If you read something that makes you angry or afraid, ask whether it was shared to make you feel that way. And if the answer is yes, think twice before sharing it again.”
WhatsApp also announced the implementation in the country of a new feature allowing recipients to see if a message is original or forwarded.
The company had bought full-page advertising in India on July 10 after a wave of lynchings in the country were linked to viral “fake news” spread by WhatsApp about alleged child kidnappings.
WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, had come under pressure from Indian authorities to put an end to the spread of rumors, which have caused the deaths of more than 20 people in the past two months.
Millions of people use WhatsApp in neighboring Pakistan, where rumors, false information and conspiracy theories are ubiquitous. Such messages spread quickly, with no real way for recipients to check their veracity.
Pakistan also has a history of mob violence, and videos such as the murder of Mashal Khan — a journalism student accused of blasphemy who was killed by a mob in April 2017 — circulate rapidly.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 25.
WhatsApp seeks to stem fake news ahead of Pakistan election
WhatsApp seeks to stem fake news ahead of Pakistan election
- Pakistan’s leading English-language daily listed ten tips on differentiating rumors from fact
- WhatsApp had come under pressure from Indian authorities to put an end to the spread of rumors
Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign
- Multiplatform campaign developed by FP7 McCann Riyadh
DUBAI: Saudi telecom giant Mobily has released a new campaign, “Ever Closer,” to mark its 20th anniversary.
The campaign is “rooted in the insight that the closer people become, the more ‘languages’ they share — from unspoken understanding to shared experiences,” explained Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7 McCann MENAT, the agency behind the campaign.
“Our shared ambition was to mark Mobily’s 20-year journey with a story that’s built to last — one that is emotionally resonant, grounded, and capable of powering the Kingdom’s digital future,” he told Arab News.
The campaign includes a main film, supported by a wide media rollout across billboards, digital, social and retail platforms.
It represents one of Mobily’s largest media investments to date, spanning out-of-home advertising in major Saudi cities, stadiums, airports and metro stations, as well as placements on TV, video-on-demand platforms such as Shahid, and digital media channels.
Earlier this month, Mobily announced its first rebrand in 20 years. The rebrand aims to signify a shift in brand focus from functionality to individuality and to resonate with young Saudis, according to a company statement.
“Mobily’s brand relaunch is more than a campaign — it’s a signal of Saudi Arabia’s creative and commercial confidence on the world stage,” said Miknas.
He added: “As a homegrown agency network with deep roots in the Kingdom, it’s a privilege to help shape a platform that captures the spirit of a nation in motion.”
