On November 12^th 2021, the National Cyber Security Authority partnered with the Kigali Global Shapers to hold an interactive panel discussion for youth on fighting misinformation online. The event was organized under the Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign organized by NCSA, as the campaign moved into its fifth theme which placed a specific emphasis on raising awareness against the persistent issue of online misinformation.

The Kigali Global Shapers, who represent Rwanda in the Global Shapers community, provided their “Twumve Twumve” youth forum as the platform for this important exchange, as the forum has been dedicated to experience sharing between youth and leaders since its inception. The panel for the discussion consisted of Spokesperson at Rwanda Investigation Bureau Dr. Thierry B. Murangira, Executive Secretary at Rwanda Media Commission Emmanuel Mugisha, Chief Cybersecurity Standards Officer at NCSA Ghislaine Kayigi, and Copywriter and Political Commentator Veronique Nyiramongi Mbaye.

In opening the conversation, NCSA CCSO Ghislaine Kayigi defined misinformation as false or inaccurate information, which has the deliberate intention to deceive. She also noted that this discussion and the following conversations it inspires would be paramount to ensuring the public is equipped to spot misinformation when they encounter it and properly understand the danger it carries.

“The internet can be used negatively or positively depending on the purpose of the user. We shouldn't put ourselves in a position of being misled but instead be continually cautious about all of the information we receive online.”

RIB Spokesperson, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira, stated that for false information to qualify as misinformation, there must be criminal intention. He emphasized the thorough due process that RIB goes through to evaluate false statements before taking action. He also remarked on the unique danger of those who carry social influence with a negative purpose.   

“During investigations, we evaluate the motive behind the information, the kind of words used, and go through everything that was published. After observing all of these three things, we then confirm the nature of information. We have found that the most dangerous people are those who use their social influence negatively with a criminal intention. This means we all must have the social literacy to understand when information and influence is intending to mislead.”

Addressing a question on why misinformation is spread, Political Commentator Veronique Nyiramongi Mbaye highlighted the current digital era and hyper-exposure to information as a key driver towards the profitability of spreading misinformation.

“The hyper exposure to information we have in the digital era has made it so much more profitable to warp reality. It makes it easier to fuel propaganda and other divisive hyperbole.”

Linked to this sentiment, Executive Secretary of Rwanda Media Commission Emmanuel Mugisha, said that all people have to be aware of misinformation spread by ‘quack’ journalists who ignore all media ethics and end up inciting the public. He continued to say that RMC are working to promote dissemination skills among the youth so that they can verify all the information they see online.

“Click bait headlines are a real problem. Ethics are forgotten when the real value online comes from views. We are working to promote fact-checking skills among the youth so that they can verify first before they publish.”

Responding to a question on cooperation between government and social network companies, Dr. Murangira notified the audience that cooperation between RIB and social network companies such as Google is ongoing. He stated that the work they are doing together is towards ensuring there are mechanisms in place that can immediately notify relevant authorities of the spread of hate speech and misinformation.