No, one of the images shows a village in the Tharparkar Desert in Pakistan.
Writer: Nancy Caesar
An image shared on Facebook by 64 tribes Media claiming to show a part of South Sudan is false. The image was published alongside five other images, and the text accompanying them reads: “Blessed Country.”
The image in question shows a rural settlement, while the rest of the images are supposedly of different regions of South Sudan, whose flag appears on one of the photos.
Screenshots of the images from the 64 Tribes page.Screenshots of the images from the 64 Tribes page.
To determine the authenticity of the claim, 211 Check carried out an investigation.
Investigation:
211 Check carried out a Reverse Image Search on the pictures, and the results showed that the image, which shows a rural setting, was taken from a village in the Tharparkar desert.
While the image has been shared online several times, such as here and here, it is attributed to Emmanuel Guddu, who shared the same picture on 23 May 2021, with an accompanying tweet that reads:
“Yes this our Pakistan. This my shot also went viral and many people cropped and removed my watermark and mentioned that this is Thar of India. So here is full and actual shot which I took in a village near Islamkot in Tharparkar Desert of Sindh Pakistan (sic).”
Screenshot of Emmanuel Guddu’s tweet.
Further investigation revealed that the Tharparkar Desert is an arid region that forms a natural boundary between Pakistan and India. On the Indian side, it is referred to as the Thar Desert, or the Great Indian Desert, and takes up about 85% of the desert’s coverage while 15% falls on Pakistan’s side.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds that most of the pictures were taken in South Sudan, but one is from a village in the Tharparkar Desert.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FakeSouthSudanPicture-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-27 19:11:002023-07-28 07:15:31Fact-check: Are these images all from South Sudan?
Data literacy builds confidence and empowers individuals to achieve excellent outcomes without the need for significant technical skills.
Writer: Stephen Topua
Introduction
The future speaks data—do you? According to research by Forrester Consulting to Tableau, over 2000 managers and employees were surveyed about the importance of data literacy in their organizations; 70% of employees are expected to work heavily with data by 2025 — up from just a mere 40% in 2018
Data is omnipresent, generated by an ever-expanding array of sources, from personal devices to vast networks of interconnected systems. The abundance of data presents both opportunities and challenges. Individuals need to possess data literacy skills to harness the potential of data. According to Jordan Morrow, Author of Be Data Literate, data literacy is about creating comfort and confidence in utilizing data within the organization, and it doesn’t mean everyone has to become super technical or be something they are not. Still, it means everyone can drive results with data.
Definition
Data literacy is the ability to read, understand, create, and communicate data effectively. It goes above and beyond merely interpreting numbers; it involves critical thinking, data analysis, and contextual comprehension. In today’s data-driven world, comprehending, analysing, and effectively utilising data is becoming an increasingly crucial skill.
As a skill set, data literacy is vital in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, understand complex issues, and drive innovation across various domains. According to Dr Emily Johnson, a renowned data scientist and educator, “Data literacy is not just about knowing how to interpret charts and graphs; it goes beyond that. It’s about critically assessing data quality, identifying biases, and using data to make informed decisions.”
This highlights that data literacy is confined to technical skills and involves a broader understanding of data’s context and implications.
Important data terms:
Data Analysis: Examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to present complex information clearly and easily understandable.
Data Ethics: The moral principles and guidelines governing data’s responsible and ethical use, including data privacy and security considerations.
Data Quality: The accuracy, reliability, and consistency of data, ensuring it is fit for its intended purpose.
Data Collection: The systematic process of gathering raw data from various sources for analysis and decision-making.
Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in data to improve its quality.
Data Privacy: Protecting individuals’ personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
Data Security: Measures and practices put in place to protect data from unauthorised access, loss, or theft.
Data Governance: The overall management and control of data within an organisation to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
Big Data: Huge and complex data sets that require advanced technologies and analytics for processing and analysis.
Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
Data Warehouse: A centralised repository that stores and organises large volumes of data from different sources for analysis and reporting.
Data Mining: The process of extracting valuable patterns and insights from large datasets using statistical and machine learning techniques.
Data-driven Decision Making: Using data and analysis to guide and support decision-making processes.
Open Data: Data that is freely available for anyone to access, use, and distribute.
Data Integration: Combining and harmonizing data from different sources creates a unified view.
Data Storytelling: The art of presenting data and analysis in a compelling and engaging narrative to communicate insights effectively.
Data Culture: an environment where decisions are consistently backed by data and everyone within the organization, regardless of their role, is encouraged and empowered to use data in their work. It is a culture of inquiry, curiosity, and data-informed decision-making.
Data literacy skills encompass various aspects. Firstly, it involves knowing which data is appropriate and relevant for a specific purpose, ensuring that the data selected aligns with the intended goal. Data literacy also entails understanding and interpreting data visualizations, and deriving insights and meaning from graphical data representations. Another crucial skill is the capacity to think critically about the information extracted through data analysis, evaluating its validity, accuracy, and potential limitations.
Being proficient in data literacy also means understanding data analytics tools and methods and knowing when and where to apply them to extract meaningful insights. It involves recognising instances where data may be misrepresented or used misleadingly, enabling individuals to identify and address any inaccuracies or biases within the data. Lastly, data literacy encompasses communicating data-driven information to individuals needing a more robust background in data literacy, employing effective data storytelling techniques to convey complex findings clearly and compellingly.
Importance of Data Literacy:
Data literacy is a skill that goes beyond the realm of data analysts and scientists. It is essential for everyone, from students to policymakers, to navigate the data-driven landscape effectively. Data literacy is not just about knowing how to use a spreadsheet or read a graph; it’s about developing a mindset that questions, explores, and derives insights from data. It empowers individuals to be informed decision-makers in an increasingly data-saturated world.
Data literacy is a key enabler of evidence-based decision-making. With the ability to comprehend data and draw meaningful conclusions, individuals can avoid making uninformed choices that may have adverse consequences.
Ways of improving your data literacy skills
There are various approaches to enhancing your data literacy skills. To begin, you might take advantage of online courses provided by companies such as Coursera and Udemy. These courses cover various topics, starting with fundamental data skills and advancing to advanced machine-learning techniques. It is also advised that you take an introductory statistics course to understand the underlying principles of data and analytics and a data visualization course to communicate data insights effectively.
To become more comfortable with data, you should study your company’s datasets using management dashboards or business intelligence tools. Take advantage of the opportunity to go into and investigate various reports for various periods. If your present role restricts your data access, don’t hesitate to request it. Finding a data mentor is another crucial step in increasing data literacy. This mentor does not have to be a data professional; anyone comfortable using the company’s reporting tools and making data-driven decisions could play this role.
If you’re concerned or believe you’re not naturally drawn to statistics, shifting your emphasis to the benefits of using data in your work can be beneficial. Recognise how data may help you better understand your target audience, uncover market gaps, enable better decision-making, support presentations with factual information, and wow your bosses. It is also critical to practice asking meaningful questions about the data you deal with. Understand the origins, validity, and any biases of the data. Exploring the topic of bias in data and artificial intelligence can be eye-opening and help you ensure that your organization’s decisions are based on accurate and fair facts.
Finally, don’t let fear or doubt stand in your way of achieving data literacy. Accept the opportunity to learn and improve, recognising that strengthening your data abilities will aid your professional development in various ways.
Conclusion:
Data literacy is fundamental in the data-driven era, shaping how individuals interact with information and make decisions. Data literacy becomes an indispensable skill for individuals to thrive in personal and professional domains as data grows exponentially. By embracing data literacy, individuals can transform data into knowledge, making informed decisions that positively impact their lives and society.
Data literacy is a critical skill set in our data-driven world. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, contributes to organizational success, and improves various aspects of society, from education to healthcare. As we navigate an increasingly complex and data-rich landscape, fostering data literacy among individuals becomes paramount.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Data-Literacy-Importance.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-27 18:49:002023-07-28 06:52:36Explainer: Why South Sudanese should learn data literacy to harness the potential of data
No, this picture is of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan
Writer: Nancy Ceasar
A picture of a highway and urban buildings shared on Facebook purporting to show parts of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is misleading.
This claim had attracted over 3000 interactions at the time of publishing.
This is the screenshot of the post.
Investigation:
211 Check carried out a Google reverse image search on the picture, and the results showed that the picture has been used by different people in reference to Sudan in the past.
In one instance, a Facebook post with the same image encouraged the people of Sudan to preserve their country.
“O my people in Sudan, O messengers of love, saints, pure righteous, this is your country; each piece of it belongs to your hearts; raise it high; this is your land, and you are its soldiers; do not let it get lost in your hands; every Arab and African in this existence is grateful to it, in its bows great grace, kneaded with the generosity of your hearts and generosity of your minds…” reads part of the post.
The image was also shared on Twitter with a tweet that reads, in part:
“These are the people who live in Khartoum, for the people who drink morning tea with dumplings on Nile Street, next to Al Dayat or Central Station. Bahri, for people who break their fast in Awadiya samak or wahhab or jamui foul fareed or Abdel wahhdah or Al shaeqi for lovers of prince Al shatby, Dodi, fwal al hijra…”
Further, SkyScraperCity, an online tabloid, on 17 September 2022 published an article with the title ‘Khartoum and Omdurman | Sudan | City Gallery’ where the image we are fact-checking was featured with the caption ‘Northern Sudanese.’
Sudan, whose capital is Khartoum, is officially known as the Republic of Sudan and borders the Red Sea to the north. It was the largest and one of Africa’s most geographically diverse states until it split into two countries in 2011, with South Sudan voting for independence.
On the other hand, South Sudan, whose capital is Juba, gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, making it the most recent sovereign state or country with widespread recognition as of 2023. It includes the vast swamp region of the Sudd, formed by the white Nile, known locally as Bahr-al-Jebel, meaning “Mountain River.
Conclusion:
211 Check has found that an image making rounds claiming to show Juba, South Sudan, is false and misleading. The picture is of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s important to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visithttps://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FakeJubaPicture-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-19 16:23:542023-07-19 16:23:59Fact-check: Does this picture show parts of Juba?
No, The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships.
Writer: Ochaya Jackson
A video shared on Facebook by Fuata Nyuki-Wa Kungu claiming that the Iranian President’s visit to Kenya was cancelled is false and misleading. The video, shared on 12 July 2023, contains narration and is accompanied by text stating that Kenya’s president, William Ruto, was panicking after the US warned him not to accord the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a state visit to Kenya.
“Ruto has been going all over Africa, chest thumping how Africans should be trading in their currencies away from the dollar. But a simple warning from [the] USA sends him in a panic, causing a diplomatic blunder, after he’s forced by the Western powers not to accord the Iranian President a State visit,” reads the post.
The video’s narration transcript reads:
“Imagine this, you are the president of Iran and you are about to embark on a historic tour of Africa, the first of by an Iranian leader in over a decade. You have been invited by the President of Kenya, who wants to boost trade and cooperation with your country. But then something goes wrong at the last minute, you are informed that your visit has been downgraded to an official visit meaning no state courtesies, no pomp and ceremony, no red carpet treatment. You are shocked and insulted by the sudden change of plans. You wonder what could have caused this snub. Is it pressure from the U.S. which imposed sanctions on your country? Is it fear of backlash from Israel which considers you a threat? Is it a sign of disrespect from Kenya which has closer ties with your rivals. You decided to cancel your visit and demand an explanation. You feel angry and betrayed by this diplomatic blunder. You wonder if Kenya is a reliable partner or puppet of the West. This is not a fictional scenario. This is what happened to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was supposed to arrive in Kenya today for a state visit. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was rescheduled to allow finalisation of key MOUs that are central to the furtherance of relations. But sources say Kenya changed its mind due to certain reasons that have not been disclosed. Iran has cancelled the visit and is waiting for an apology from Kenya. A high level crisis meeting is currently ongoing at the state house trying to resolve the matter and find ways of convincing President Raisi to come to Kenya. What do you think about this situation? How do you feel about Kenya’s decision? How do you think Iran will react?”
211 Check investigation:
According to a media reportreviewed by 211 Check, the Iranian President was welcomed with a red carpet in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday, 12 July 2023.
Additionally, according to a K24TV video tweet, the Kenyan President said his country had witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on communication and information technology, fisheries, animal health, and livestock production with Raisi upon his visit to Kenya.
From left Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, accompanied by Kenya President William Ruto (middle), courtesy K24 TV.
The visit was initially slated for Tuesday, 11 July 2023. Still, according to the Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as per the media report, it was rescheduled for Wednesday to give room for the finalisation memorandum of the understanding.
“The President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, was scheduled to arrive in the country for a visit today [Tuesday]. The visit allowed the two countries to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. The schedule of the President [of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi] has now been reviewed to allow for the finalisation of key MoUs central to further relations. The Iranian President will now arrive tomorrow [Wednesday 12th, July 2023] for a State Visit,” reads part of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as quoted by the media.
“The President will be at the State House at 7.00 am tomorrow [Wednesday] for a bilateral meeting. He will, after that, proceed to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding to tour other African countries,” the ministry added.
In addition to that, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, tweeted that President William Ruto held high-level bilateral talks with his counterpart, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the five memoranda of understanding signed laid the basis for continued socio-economic cooperation.
The Iranian President’s tour to Africa also took him to Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Conclusion:
The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships between the two countries.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s important to fight misinformation and disinformation in media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Iran-Kenya-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-18 17:05:142023-07-18 17:05:21Fact-check: Was the Iranian President’s trip to Kenya cancelled?
There is no clear evidence that long-term exposure to mosquito coil smoke increases the risk of more severe health impacts such as lung cancer, but extended exposure to mosquito coils in enclosed areas should be avoided.
Writer: Jibi Moses
A message claiming that mosquito coils are the common cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana, making the rounds in WhatsApp groups and private chats, is not supported by substantial evidence.
The message quotes a Medical Journal published in 2016 by Hogarth et al.—Malar, which says that mosquito coil smoke is a potential source of indoor infections and other diseases but did not mention lung cancer. The message, which has pictures of the Zenden brand of Mosquito coil, primarily talks about the dangers of the coil and how it is the leading cause of lung diseases in South Sudan and Ghana.
“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in South Sudan and other African Countries such as Ghana, were the major cause of Lung disease…,” partly reads the message.
The viral message further claims other studies done in Asia show that the insecticide has different chemicals, including chloromethyl, which, the article says, is a highly potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by thermolytic degradation. The content, however, does not have an author or a clear origin.
A screenshot of the circulating message on WhatsApp
What do we know?
The author quotes the study in his or her article Malaria Journal by Jonathan Hogarth, published on February 4, 2016, in Ghana, under the heading Application of Mosquito Repellents, Coils, and Associating Health Issues in Ghana. The report was the final work of research to determine the effectiveness of mosquito coils and repellents and their associated impact.
The research found that the insecticides were ineffective and posed a health danger but did not explicitly state that it is the cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana.
A report published by the National Library of Medicine in 2015 by JIE Zhang and others titled Mosquito coil exposure associated with small cell lung cancer: A report of three cases. A research report carried out in Asia on cancer patients was carried out on a few individuals who previously worked with a mosquito coil-producing company. The information admits insecticides have chloromethyl, a highly potent lung carcinogen. However, the report says the significance of exposure is uncertain.
“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in Asia, contain different concentrations of octachlorodipropyl ether (S-2) as a synergist or an active ingredient. As bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) is an extremely potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by the thermolytic degradation of S-2, contact with mosquito coils is likely to expose individuals to a certain level of BCME and therefore increase the risk of lung cancer. However, the significance of exposure is uncertain as clinical and epidemiological studies concerning mosquito coil users and workers are lacking….”
The report concludes that contact with mosquito coils will likely expose individuals to a level of S-2 that may increase the risk of SCLC but does not concretely say mosquito coils cause cancer.
What is lung cancer disease?
Penn Medicine defines lung cancer disease as any lung problem that prevents the lungs from working properly. World Health Organisation says The significant risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include tobacco smoke and other indoor air pollution, allergens, household chemicals, and outdoor pollution. Some leading causes of lung diseases are explained here.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that mosquito coil is the leading cause of lung diseases unproven. Though the insecticide has some chloromethyl content, the World Health Organisation says tobacco is the leading cause of lung diseases.
In the face of this uncertainty, the essential lesson should be to avoid extended exposure to mosquito coils, particularly in enclosed areas, The Conversation says.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mosquito-Coils.-Unproven.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-11 05:47:002023-07-10 17:50:27Debunking the Mosquito Coil Lung Disease Myth in South Sudan and Ghana (2016)
The messages on WhatsApp are scams embedded with malicious links intended to steal people’s helpful information.
Writer: Jibi Moses
A message is making rounds on WhatsApp claiming Total Energies, one of the world’s leading petroleum business companies, is recruiting. This is false.
“GOOD NEWS! TotalEnergies Oil and Gas company is recruiting both Skilled and Unskilled Labour with good Salary Payment. It is no longer news. APPLY NOW,” the message reads partially.
On clicking the job advertisement link, it looks too good to be true because it highly emphasizes that the company offers both skilled and unskilled labour. The application is too easy to fill out, and when one is done filling in his details, you are requested to share the link in five WhatsApp groups or over fifteen individuals to get the job.
A screenshot of the job advertisement on opening the link.
What have we found out?
211 Check investigated the advertisement by examining the link attached to the message. Results from one of the vendors on VirusTotal, an online tool used to detect malware and other suspicious wares, show that the connection is embedded with a Malicious URL. These are links created to promote scams or fraudulent activity. They are persuasive, intending to gain sensitive and personal information. Clicking on such links can lead to various consequences, from having your data stolen to being the victim of a cyberattack.
The company was founded on March 28 March 1924, by Ernest Mercier. As of 2020, it employs up to 105,476 people with a straightforward means of calling for applications through the Career section on their websites.
We ran the two links on Whois, an online tool that analyses websites and showed that the two links are entirely different. The Total Energies website was first registered in France in 2014 and updated in 2023. Meanwhile, the other link was first recorded in 2023 the United States in America. Earlier this year, a similar advert made rounds on the internet particularly WhatsApp and 211 Check, found it false.
A Screenshot of the Whois details of the Total Energies website as shown by whois.comA screenshot of the malicious link is shown on whois.com.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds that the advert in WhatsApp groups and private chats claiming to be from Total Energies is false. These are scams embedded with Malicious links intended to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Photo-showing-two-wives-of-a-police-officer-who-gave-birth-on-the-same-day.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-10 11:37:592023-07-10 11:38:05Fact-check: Viral WhatsApp message about 2023 recruitment at Total Energies is false
Internet cookies, small text files stored on devices, remember preferences, track activity, and enhance browsing. However, concerns about tracking and privacy exist, and users can accept or reject cookies based on convenience, personalization, and privacy preferences.
Writer: Steve Topua
Internet cookies, or HTTP cookies, are small text files stored on a user’s computer or device when they visit a website. These files contain data websites use to remember user preferences, track activity, and enhance the browsing experience. Websites create cookies and send them to a user’s web browser, where they are stored and sent back to the website each time the user revisits it.
History
The concept of internet cookies was introduced by Lou Montulli, a computer programmer, in 1994. Montulli worked at Netscape Communications Corporation (now known as Mozilla Corporation). He developed the original implementation of cookies to solve a problem related to managing online shopping carts.
Montulli’s invention of cookies was a significant milestone in web technology. It allowed websites to store small data on a user’s computer or device, enabling them to remember user preferences, maintain session information, and enhance the browsing experience.
Since their introduction, cookies have become an integral part of the web ecosystem, serving various functions for website functionality, personalisation, and analytics. They have evolved and been standardised over time, with different types and mechanisms for managing them implemented in web browsers and governed by privacy regulations.
Necessary cookies: a cookie the website uses to function correctly, without which the site would not work. This type of cookie does not collect any personally identifiable information about you and does not track your browsing habits.
Session Cookies: These cookies are temporary and are erased once the user closes their browser. They are primarily used to maintain a user’s session on a website, remembering actions and preferences during the visit. Session cookies are crucial in online shopping carts or maintaining logged-in states.
Persistent/permanent Cookies: Unlike session cookies, persistent cookies remain on a user’s device even after the browser is closed. They have an expiration date and can store information such as login details, language preferences, and personalised settings. Persistent cookies enable websites to recognise returning users and provide a more personalised experience.
Third-Party Cookies: Third-party cookies are created by domains other than the website a user is visiting. They are commonly used for advertising and tracking purposes, allowing advertisers to deliver targeted ads based on a user’s browsing history and behaviour across multiple websites.
Uses
The following are some of the uses of Internet Cookies:
Enhanced User Experience: Cookies enable websites to remember user preferences, making subsequent visits more personalised and efficient. They allow for features like saved login information, language preferences, and tailored content recommendations.
Shopping Convenience: Persistent cookies facilitate online shopping by storing items in a user’s cart even if they navigate away from the website. They also remember user details, simplifying the checkout process.
Website Analytics: Cookies provide valuable insights to website owners by collecting anonymous data on user behaviour. This data helps improve website performance, identify popular content, and optimise marketing strategies.
Concerns and Privacy Considerations:
While cookies offer numerous benefits, privacy and data security concerns have arisen. Some key considerations include
Tracking and Profiling: Third-party cookies can track users’ activities across multiple websites, leading to concerns about data privacy and online profiling. This has sparked debates about the balance between personalised experiences and individual privacy.
Security Risks: As cookies store information on a user’s device, there is a potential risk if malicious parties access them. However, modern web browsers have implemented safeguards to mitigate these risks.
Opt-Out Options: Recognizing the need for transparency and control, web browsers and privacy regulations allow users to manage and control cookie settings. Users can block or delete cookies or opt out of targeted advertising.
Should you Accept or Reject Internet Cookies?
We explore the benefits and challenges of each of the two options.
Accepting Cookies gives you the following advantages:
Buying cookies enables websites to remember your preferences and settings, such as language preferences, login information, and personalised content recommendations. This often leads to a more customised and convenient browsing experience.
Cookies help websites remember your previous interactions, making it easier for you to navigate and interact with the site. For instance, if you add items to your shopping cart and accept cookies, the website can retain that information, even if you leave and return later.
Many website features and services rely on cookies to function correctly. Accepting cookies ensures that all website functionalities, such as forms, shopping carts, and user preferences, operate smoothly.
Rejecting Cookies ensures the following is achieved:
Enhanced Privacy: Rejecting cookies can provide a higher level of privacy as it limits the data that websites can collect about your browsing habits. This is particularly relevant for third-party cookies, often used for tracking and targeted advertising.
Limited Personalization: Without cookies, websites may be unable to remember your preferences or provide personalised experiences. You may need to enter login information manually, set language preferences, or customise settings each time you visit a site.
Disrupted Functionality: Some websites may rely heavily on cookies to provide certain functionalities. Rejecting cookies might reduce functionality, rendering certain features inaccessible or less convenient.
Managing Cookie Settings:
Many web browsers offer more granular controls for managing cookie settings. These options include blocking third-party cookies and deleting cookies.
Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject cookies depends on your preferences regarding convenience, personalisation, and privacy. Reviewing and adjusting your cookie settings in your web browser to align with your desired level of privacy and browsing experience is advisable.
Can cookies be erased or blocked?
To erase cookies, you must find and delete the folder or file where they are stored on your device.
Session cookies will automatically be deleted when you close your web browser.
You can also block a website’s cookies by configuring your browser settings.
You can also use specialist software that protects against malicious cookies. These applications can be customised to let you change the content of the cookies you want to receive or allow to be stored on your device.
Cookie Wall and its implications:
According to cookiebot , a cookie wall is a practice where a website blocks access to its content or services unless the user consents to use cookies. In other words, it forces users to accept cookies to access the website’s full functionality. Cookie walls are often presented as pop-up overlays or banners that require users to click “Accept” or a similar option to proceed.
The use of cookie walls has been debated and has raised concerns regarding privacy and freedom of choice for users. Critics argue that cookie walls may create a situation where users feel coerced into accepting cookies, compromising their privacy rights. They say that users should be able to access a website’s content without being forced to consent to data collection through cookies.
Laws addressing Cookie Walls
The following are some laws that specifically address cookie walls. These laws protect user privacy and ensure consent is not obtained through coercion. They promote transparency and allow users to make informed choices about cookies and their data.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR, which applies to the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), sets strict requirements for obtaining user consent. It requires all multinational companies to provide an opt-in whereby website owners receive a user’s permission to use cookies before storing them on a user’s web browsers. This opt-in is designed to give users greater control over their data, knowing the information is being collected if they consent to that data collection. It also emphasises that permission must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. GDPR explicitly states that consent is invalid if a user is forced to consent by a cookie wall.
ePrivacy Directive
The ePrivacy Directive, or the “Cookie Law,” applies to EU member states and governs using cookies and similar technologies. It requires websites to obtain user consent before placing non-essential cookies, such as those used for tracking or advertising. The directive does not explicitly address cookie walls, but it emphasises the importance of user consent and transparency.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
CCPA, a privacy law in California, gives consumers the right to opt out of selling their personal information. While it does not explicitly mention cookie walls, it provides users the right to refuse the sale of their personal information, which may include data collected through cookies.
Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD)
LGPD, Brazil’s data protection law, requires websites to obtain explicit user consent before processing data. While it does not explicitly mention cookie walls, it highlights the importance of freely given consent.
Website owners and operators must comply with relevant privacy laws and ensure their practices respect user rights and privacy preferences.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Internet-Cookies.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-07-10 08:54:422023-07-10 08:54:47Explainer: What are internet cookies, and what are they used for?
This comprehensive analysis explores the history and determinants of the South Sudanese Pound’s exchange rate against the American Dollar, providing insights into its fluctuations and implications for the country’s economy.
Author: Stephen Topua
Introduction:
Currency exchange rates play a crucial role in international trade and financial markets, reflecting the value of one currency to another. This data story delves into the history of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) and its exchange rate fluctuations against the mighty American Dollar (USD) since its introduction in 2012. We aim to provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between the SSP and USD, shedding light on the factors influencing their exchange rate dynamics by analysing this trend over the past ten years.
South Sudan, a young nation that gained independence in 2011, introduced its national currency, the South Sudanese Pound, to establish its economic identity. Since then, the exchange rate between the SSP and USD has been a critical measure of the country’s financial performance and stability.
We use this trend to give a perspective of how this relationship has evolved over the last ten years until the present moment when the SSP is trading for over 900 for every USD.
Background:
Exchange rate: the exchange rate represents the price of a national currency valued as a foreign currency. When the exchange rate for a currency rises so that the currency exchanges for more of other currencies, it is referred to as appreciating or “strengthening.” When the exchange rate for a currency falls so that it trades for less than other currencies, it is referred to as depreciating or “weakening.
How are exchange rates determined?
Exchange rates, which reflect the value of a country’s currency to other currencies, are influenced by various factors. Inflation, interest rates, public debt, political stability, and economic health all play crucial roles in shaping the strength or weakness of a currency. Countries with low inflation rates and stable political environments tend to have stronger currencies, as they attract investors and inspire confidence. Additionally, a robust economy, positive balance of trade, and low current account deficits contribute to a currency’s appreciation. However, speculative activities and short-term market sentiments can also affect exchange rates.
Understanding these determinants helps in analyzing and predicting currency movements. Knowledge of these factors is vital for businesses, investors, and policymakers in making informed decisions in the global financial markets. It is important to monitor inflation rates, as low inflation tends to support stronger currencies. Interest rates influence the attractiveness of a currency to investors, and higher rates can strengthen exchange rates. Public debt levels, political stability, and economic health also impact exchange rates. Finally, trade balance and current account deficits affect a country’s currency value. By considering these determinants, stakeholders can navigate the complex world of foreign exchange and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Types of exchange rate systems:
There are four main types of exchange rate regimes. The first is the free-floating system, where exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on market demand and supply. Currency prices change dynamically, reflecting the forces of the foreign exchange market.
The remaining three types include fixed, pegged, and managed float systems. In the fixed system, a monetary authority sets a firm exchange rate for the currency to a foreign currency or a basket of currencies. This fixed rate remains constant over time. Under the pegged system, a country ties the value of its currency to a foreign currency or a specific unit of account. Although bilateral parity is maintained, the value of the home currency fluctuates in line with the anchor country’s currency. In the managed float system, the exchange rate is influenced by both market conditions and interventions by the monetary authority. The central bank actively participates in the foreign exchange market to manage and steer the exchange rate without committing to a predetermined path.
Understanding these various exchange rate systems is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of international trade and financial markets. Each system offers different degrees of flexibility and control over a country’s currency value, shaping economic outcomes and policy decisions.
The United States of America vs South Sudan Economies by Comparison:
The GDP is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. For comparison purposes, The GDP of both the USA and South Sudan are:
USA: 26.24 trillion USD
South Sudan: 7.02 Billion USD
Evolution in the exchange rate of the South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) versus the United States Dollars (USD)
At the inception, the exchange rate was SSP 2.75 for every 1 USD. However, things quickly went downhill as the exchange rate is currently at 980 SSP for every 1 USD within years, peaking at 1001 SSP for every USD. This is highlighted by the graphs below.:
The first graph shows how the exchange rates have evolved between 2012 and 2023, offering the highs and lows in the process. The second graph displays daily changes in the exchange rates, showing drastic daily changes in the process, such as the highest daily exchange rate, highest gain and highest loss in value by the SSP on the United States dollar.
The link to the visualisation showing the daily difference in the exchange rate is given Here
Some insights emerge from the data, which we highlight below:
The most significant loss in value for the SSP against the USD was between 12 and 13 October 2020, when it went from 515 to 700 in a matter of 24 hours
The biggest gain in value for the SSP against the USD was between 13 and 14 October 2020 and between 6 and 7 August 2022, when it went from 700 to 550 in a matter of 24 hours
The highest-ever exchange rate was on 24 May 2023, when it stood at 1001 SSP for every USD
How do search terms related to Exchange rates compare in South Sudan for the past 12 months?
In conclusion, we compare how searches are compared for four related topics: South Sudanese pound, USD, BoSS, exchange rate and FOREX. For this segment, we use Google Trends for the data collection and visualisation. Google Trends is a website by Google that analyzes the popularity of search queries in Google Search across various regions and languages. The website uses graphs to compare the search volume of different questions over time. We use this feature to analyse how the search patterns of the four topics emerge from July 2022 to June 2023.
The graph below shows interest over the past 12 months. The research shows that USD is consistently the most searched term, indicating considerable interest in USD in the country. All the data was collected using GoogleTrends.
The graph below shows that the USD generated the most interest in the period lasting 12 months, followed by Exchange Rate. In contrast, BoSS and the SSP showed little interest in search volumes in the analysed period.
NB: the data was visualised using Datawrapper.
This comprehensive analysis explores the South Sudanese Pound’s history and its exchange rate fluctuations against the American Dollar over the past decade. Factors influencing exchange rates, such as inflation, interest rates, public debt, political stability, economic health, balance of trade, and confidence/speculation, are discussed. The four main types of exchange rate regimes—freely floating, fixed, pegged, and managed float—are explained, highlighting their characteristics and implications. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding these determinants and exchange rate systems for businesses, investors, and policymakers to make informed decisions in the global financial markets. We also examined search trends related to exchange rates in South Sudan, indicating significant interest in the United States Dollar while providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics of exchange rates and their impact on economies.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Untitled-Visualisation-Flourish-1.png6741045211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-06-28 11:39:582023-06-28 11:40:07South Sudanese Pound’s Rollercoaster Ride: Analyzing its exchange rate journey against the Dominant American Dollar
The two-page resignation letter purportedly from Stephano Wieu Malek, Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area, is false and dismissed as fake information by the area information minister.
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
A resignation letter dated 14th June 2023 addressed to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, allegedly from Stephano Wieu Malek, Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area, is false.
The two-page letter circulating in WhatsApp group chats claimed that Stefano Wieu was immediately stepping down from his role and declared allegiance to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
What makes this letter inauthentic and, therefore, false?
The document header displays logo colours inconsistent with those officially used in letters issued by the Office of the Chief Administrator for Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA).
Unlike previous authentic letters, the date in this letter is underlined.
A notable difference is that the signature is left-aligned, while authentic letters from the office of the Chief Administrator are typically centre-aligned.
The grammar used in the letter is poor, with multiple spelling errors, including the misspelling of the names of the Chief Administrator.
Image showing an inauthentic letter allegedly from RAA chief
On the 20th of June 2023, the office of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youths, and Sports Ruweng Administrative Area, Panrieng, made a public statement on its Facebook page dismissing the claim which said that the Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, His Excellency Stephano Wieu De Mialek has resigned from the SPLM party and as it’s Chairman in Ruweng- Panrieng.
“This is fake news of the year 2023, and such propaganda is purely the work of the enemies of progress of the Ruweng people,” the statement of the area minister said in part.
An example of an authentic letter from the RAA chief
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim in a two-page letter of resignation allegedly from Stephano Wieu de Mialek, Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, false. The document is inauthentic and wasn’t issued by his office.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RAA-Resignation-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-06-24 11:27:472023-06-24 11:27:53Fact-check:Resignation letter inauthentic, not from Ruweng Administrative Area chief
The text alleged to have been written and signed by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, trying to mock African leaders about their African problems, is not authentic.
Writer: Jibi Moses
A lengthy speech is making rounds on social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, allegedly of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s opening Speech when he met the African leaders in Kyiv on the 16th of June, 2023.
The text, which does not have a clear source and date of origin, is alleged to have been written and signed by Zelensky, but this is false.
“Opening Remarks by President Volodymyr Zelensky while meeting African Leaders in Kyiv, Ukraine, 2023-6-16,” the text is titled.
“Zelensky to African Leaders: I am happy to host you here in the beautiful city of Kyiv. I know when u watch your TV in Africa, you get to know that Russia has destroyed the entire city of Kyiv according to Russia’s global propaganda machinery. Still, you have moved around Kieve, and you see how beautiful the city is with welcoming people doing their business; however, with imperialists Vladimir Putin dropping bombs..we have been intercepting most of them. Some we have failed,” partly reads the text.
Screenshots of the text being shared on WhatsApp
The document came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently led an African delegation. The leaders were on a mission in Kyiv to mediate peace between the two warring parties, where Russia was accused of attacking Ukraine.
211 Check did an internet search through the mainstream media to find out the exact speech and to validate whether this claim was valid, and below is what we found out.
The Media is awash with clear messages from President Zelenskys’ speech when he met the African leaders on the 16th of June 2023. Reuters, a news agency owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, reported on the event with a story titled, “Ukraine tells African Leaders no peace talks with Russia,” written by Pavel Polityuk and Olena Harmash.
“To allow any negotiations with Russia now while the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze everything: pain and suffering,” according to Reuters, Zelenskiy told a joint press conference with the delegation.
A similar report was made by Le Monde, a French daily afternoon newspaper, the leading publication of Le Monde Group, that covered the story with this heading, “Zelensky rules out talks with Russia as he meets African leaders in Kyiv.”
The delegation, including leaders of Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Comoros, was expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, according to Le Monde and AFP.
Screenshot of a picture of Zelenskiy with the African Leaders.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds that the text alleged to be written and signed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, trying to mock African leaders about their African problems, is false. The writer’s source and intention are not and can not be traced. However, it can fool the society into believing that it’s true. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ukraine-False.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-06-20 19:39:422023-06-20 19:39:49Fact-check: Did Volodymyr Zelenskyy mock African Presidents in Kyiv?
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
From left Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, accompanied by Kenya President William Ruto (middle), courtesy K24 TV.
