Abuse of social media concerning

STATE of Emergency (SOE) Controller and Police Commissioner David Manning is concerned with the abuse and misuse of the social media.
“It is a very serious concern and I am aware relevant authorities like Nicta (National Information Communication Technology Authority) are working around the clock to manage this as with all communications regulators worldwide,” Manning said this week while commenting on the media freedom day observed on Sunday.
“I will not restrict nor stop the media from reporting.
“The media is an important part of society and critical to our democracy and in ensuring our people are informed,” he said.
“The media plays a very important role in our society.
“But with this freedom comes a certain degree of responsibility as well.
“This is very important for the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is not normal news developing but a matter of life and death.
“It is a matter that needs a collaborative effort from all of us to address for the sake of our people.”
Comm Manning said recently two issues arose regarding the media’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic which renewed his call for responsible journalism.
“The first were claims that we stopped the media from reporting and that we were going to impose fines for journalists and media houses if you did not write favourably.
“The other was a report in the media on the misuse of the Covid-19 funds.
“On the first issue, we did not stop any media from reporting now nor do we intend to do so,” he said.
“We will also not penalise anyone should you not report to our expectations.”