Akeed detects 354 rumours during first half of 2024

AMMAN — The Jordanian Media Credibility Observatory (Akeed) said on Wednesday that it had registered 354 rumours in the Kingdom during the first half of 2024, with an average of 59 per month.

Akeed said that this increase in misinformation coincided with the war in the Gaza Strip, which has significantly influenced the spread of rumours, affecting Jordan due to its strategic role and location amidst regional hotspots, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Security and political rumours were the most prevalent, making up 60 per cent of the total with 211 out of 354 rumours that included false reports of military activities, border intrusions, demonstrations, Jordan’s stance on regional events, and trade movements with neighbouring countries.

External sources were responsible for 59 security and political rumours, representing 18 per cent of the total and 28 per cent of all security and political rumours.

The report highlighted a noticeable decline in health-related rumours, with only five reported in the past six months, as public attention shifted to the Gaza war. Economic rumours also saw a drop, falling from the top concern in 2023 to fourth place this year, with 49 rumours, or 14 per cent of the total.

Daily monitoring revealed that 95 rumours were officially denied, averaging 16 denials per month, a significant decrease from last year’s average of 32 monthly denials.

Security rumours recorded the highest number with 111 instances, or 31 per cent, followed by political rumours with 100, or 28 per cent. Social rumours ranked third with 61, or 17 per cent, followed by economic rumours. Public affairs rumours totalled 28, or 8 per cent, with health rumours being the least frequent.

Akeed noted that 82 per cent of the rumours originated from internal sources, including social media and news sites, with 290 out of 354. External sources accounted for 64 rumours, or 18 per cent.

Social media was the primary channel for these rumours, responsible for 303 instances, or 86 per cent, while traditional media accounted for 51, or 14 per cent, Akeed added.