June sees drop in number of rumours spread in Kingdom

AMMAN — The number of rumours spread decreased in June, as 43 rumours were detected, compared with 51 and 49 in May and April, respectively. The Jordanian Media Credibility Monitor, Akeed, in a report launched on Tuesday, said that 21 per cent of the falsified items tackled economic issues and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

According to the monthly report, 18 per cent of the rumours spread in June were related to security issues, including misinformation about the curfew, as well as fabricated accidents and crimes.

The results also showed that media outlets have played a “minor role” in the phenomenon, spreading only 12 rumours in June, at 28 per cent, while 31 rumours (72 per cent) began on social media platforms, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.