The recent riots in the United Kingdom resulted from false information aired by a crime website called Channel3Now. Which is now considered the source of the disturbances. UK Riots Sparked by Fake News from Pakistani Website.
Pakistani Connection UK
According to ITV, a British news channel, Farhan Aziz is reportedly responsible for running this website, which operates out of Pakistan. When contacted by ITV reporters, Farhan Aziz denied authorship of the fake news and claimed that those responsible for creating or posting it on the site had been sacked.
Following contact with Aziz, ITV’s researchers took the Channel3Now website down, which raised many questions regarding its authenticity and motivation.
Investigation Report: The Connection between Southport Riots and World Journalists
It remains obscure where exactly the UK riots were triggered by fake news. However, just a few days ago, the BBC released an investigative report stating that Channel3Now acts as a money-making entity through social media, gathering crime-related news stories to monetise them.
Management at the website said over 30 individuals are working at Channel3Now across the USA, UK, Pakistan and India, but blame has been put on the British group alone, who spread misinformation leading to violent protests.
Fake News IncidentÂ
Fake news alleged that a Muslim immigrant in Southport town of England killed three girls. It was not true because this suspect, who was 17 years old, came from Rwanda, not an immigrant Muslim one.
Consequences of Fake NewsÂ
According to reports from authorities. This fake information led to an increase in white supremacist extremist attacks against Muslims and immigrants in Britain. This incident demonstrates how misleading information can be dangerous. And that digital media platforms need more scrutiny due to a lack of accountability mechanisms.
This situation highlights the importance of responsible journalism while emphasising stringent measures for spreading news. The recent unrest in the UK brought about by baseless comments reminds us how detrimental fake news can be. Especially if it aggravates existing social tensions. It implies that the involvement of international operators in such an issue reveals its global nature. Which requires a joint approach to counteract disinformation.
