Combatting information disorder in Nepal: Fact-checking and digital literacy should go hand in hand

International Fact-Checking Day is observed on April 2 by fact-checkers all over the world. The day serves as a reminder of the critical role fact-checkers play in keeping people informed. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of accurate information in our complex world, where separating fact from fiction has become increasingly difficult.

In recent years, in Nepal as well as in almost every part of the world, social media platforms have played a significant role in spreading misinformation, which can have serious consequences, such as inciting violence or harming public health as experienced during the Covid pandemic . Combatting information disorder is a challenge. The problem has been exacerbated by the proliferation of social media, the monetisation of online content, and algorithms that prioritise engagement, which require strengthened fact-checking and digital literacy as the most effective solutions parallelly.