The Summarized Information Category outputs the figures in a summarized form, without letting people to read through long documents released by the Ministry of Health.

Fact-check: WhatsApp picture with Nigerian Airtel number can’t kill

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The image was taken in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019 and is unrelated to picking calls from a specific Nigerian Airtel number.

Writer: Abraham Athian 

A picture shared with a Nigerian Airtel number on several WhatsApp groups alleging that it can kill you when you answer a call from that number is a hoax.

The photo with the number claimed to have killed people who answered the call from it was shared on several WhatsApp groups on September 9, 2023, with the caption: “pls dnt pick dis number 09072256632, dnt be selfish, send it 2 all ur friends, pls save life”. 

The picture was widely shared in WhatsApp groups. 

It has caused fear and worry for many WhatsApp users, including myself, so 211 Check took the time to investigate and verify its accuracy so that it cannot mislead others who may come across it. 

Claim Verification:

A Google Reverse Image Search shows that the picture was taken in Nigeria, in Lagos, and has been online since 2019. On January 16, 2019, the  Ng Daily News published it.  The only paper that can be traced on the internet has the story featuring the image with the headline “Eiye Cultists Kill Man For Mingling With Aiye Gang Members In Lagos“.

The article explains who was killed and why they killed him. It goes on to name him as ‘Afeez, a barber in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State. The incident, which caused apprehension in the community, occurred on January 6, 2019, at Akorounfayo Street, Mile 12.

The leader of the Aiye Confraternity, identified as Timo, was killed on Thursday of that week at Moro Junction, also in the Mile 12 area, according to the news report.

“The barber had locked his shop and was about to go home when the Eiye cult group members, who rode on motorbikes to his shop, shot at him and escaped.” Immediately after they shot him, the cultists escaped. After the attack, some Aiye members said Afeez was killed because they usually sat in his shop.

“Unfortunately, he was not a cult member. It was because of the snooker they usually play in his shop that they thought he was an Aiye member. They have wasted an innocent boy for nothing.

A screenshot of the image used by Ng Daily News.

On a separate search for this number, 09072256632, the True Caller website shows that the number is harmless. It has made 37 calls, 289 spam reports, 2,127 look-ups, and 65% pick-up rates in Nigeria.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim in a picture shared in different WhatsApp groups, purportedly causing death after picking up a call from a Nigerian Airtel number written on it,  a  hoax. The picture was taken in Lagos, Nigeria, and first published by the Ng Daily News in January 2019 of an incident involving a killing by a gang group. The culture of spreading fake news by sharing without verification is not good. It can cause harm to the public.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

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 vital 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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Is this a video of a Nigerien soldier preparing for the ECOWAS joint forces?

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No, the video is of a South Sudanese soldier, Col. Angui Karbino Kuanyin, and has been on the internet since 2019.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A video going viral on X (formerly Twitter) supposedly showing a Nigerien soldier shooting bullets into his mouth and spitting them out is misleading. 

In the video, a soldier has two guns, shoots bullets into his mouth and spits them on the ground.

The post accompanying the video is about the ECOWAS intervention in Niger. It reads: “Here’s a Niger soldier displaying his military prowess using black magic as Ecowas prepares to invade the sovereign nation. We’re sitting on a time bomb in West Africa; no one is safe.”

It was shared on August 19, 2023, and attracted 486 Reposts, 71 quotes, 713 likes, 109 bookmarks, and 113.9K views. The video also attracted a lot of comments, with some claiming it was from Uganda. 

The video was also shared on X by another user on the same day with the same claim.

Screenshot of the tweet as shared on X

Investigation:

From a keyword search using the words:  ‘A man shoots himself and spits out the bullets,’  211 Check found that the video has been on the internet for a long time, seemingly first appearing on July 24, 2019. Reports about the incident appeared on different news outlets in different countries. 

France24’s Observers published the story on July 26, 2019 with the headline “South Sudan colonel shoots himself on video: how he faked it.”

The article identifies the man in the video as Col. Angui Karbino Kuanyin. 

“The colonel in the video is Angui Karbino Kuanyin. Kuanyin comes from a well-known military family; he is the son of General Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, one of the leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, who died back in 1999,” reads parts of the report. 

Screenshot of the article by Observers France24

Likewise, on July 24, 2019, Special Broadcasting Service also published an article with an audio interview in Dinka in which Kuanyin explained how and why he shot himself.

Kuanyin explained the idea behind the video in an interview with Australian media outlet SBS:

“Many people around me didn’t believe I could do that. So I told them to come, and they filmed me doing it. I didn’t want the video to end up online, but other people posted it.

Why did I do it? Every day, people threaten President Kiir. I wanted to show people we can protect the president whenever and wherever. I don’t think it is a crime, but I will go before a court if the president thinks it is.

Lots of people criticised me and said that I was using fake bullets. But they are real bullets! I’m extending the invitation to anyone who wants to come with his or her own weapon and try to prove that I am lying. I have lots of similar videos that I can show you.”

Additionally, on April 2, 2021, Tori Ng News published the story with the headline ‘Meet the African Soldier Who Stops Bullet With His Mouth (Video).

Other sources also clarified the soldier’s origin as being from South Sudan, as seen here, here, here, and here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the video circulating on social media claiming to be of a Nigerien soldier is false. The video is of a South Sudanese soldier, Col. Angui Karbino Kuanyin, and has been on the internet since 2019.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

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.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did Russian President Putin arrive in South Africa for the 2023 BRICS Summit, as video footage shows?

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No, the footage shows Putin arriving for the 2018 BRICS summit in South Africa and was aired by SABC News.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A viral Facebook post with a video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin supposedly arriving for the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa is false. 

The post, shared on 19 August 2023, reads: “President Putting has landed….. (sic).” The video shows Putin being received at the airport. 

The claim, widely shared on Facebook and TikTok, appears to be footage aired by South Africa Broadcasting Corporation(SABC) News. 

A keyword Search using the words “Putin arrives in South Africa for BRICS Summit” shows that the claim was shared widely. 

In one instance, a TikTok user shared the video footage, claiming that the Russian President’s arrival for the BRICS summit in South Africa was a slap to the United States and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“It’s a slap to the USA and ICC as Vladimir Putin arrives in South Africa for [the] BRICS Summit,” reads the claim text. 

The screenshot of the TikTok claim

The Google Search result also returned a fact-check by RTL Today, debunking the same false claim.

Context:

The BRICS Summit is an international relations conference that brings together heads of state from the BRICS countries namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a group of emerging economies. It was also attended by various heads of state or government officials from other countries around the world.

The claim regarding Putin’s arrival in South Africa surfaced ahead of the three-day 15th BRICS summit held from 22 August 2023 in South Africa.

Putin was supposed to attend the summit as a member of the BRICS. Still, the South African government announced on July 19, 2023, in a statement that the Russian president would not attend the summit, citing it as a mutual agreement.

Notably, the International Criminal Court, which South Africa is a member of, issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March 2023. The warrant subjects him to arrest in any member country of the Hague-based court. 

A keyword search on “Putin arrives in South Africa” on YouTube returns the footage captured by SABC News. It was taken when the Russian President arrived for the 2018 BRICS summit in South Africa. 

For the 2023 BRICS summit, Putin was represented by the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

According to a media report, Putin addressed the audience at the summit via a video link but not in person.

Conclusion:

The video supposedly showing Putin arriving for the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa is false. The video was taken by SABC News in 2018 when Putin attended the 10th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

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 vital 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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Former Niger finance minister caught on video crying after allegedly squandering state funds?

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No, the video shows Morou Amadou, the former Justice Minister in Niger, and is unrelated to the coup.  

Writer: Jibi Moses

A video originally posted on Tiktok and making the rounds on WhatsApp claiming that Niger’s former finance minister was crying after being threatened with death by firing squad for stealing from the state coffers is false.  

The video shows a man sobbing and being offered a bottle of water. The WhatsApp message accompanying the video claims that the man, supposedly Niger’s former finance minister, was crying because he was given an ultimatum of 48 hours by the coup plotters to account for all the stolen Nigerien money or else he would be killed by firing squad. The video was shared on July 31, 2023.

 A screenshot of the video as shared on the WhatsApp platform

The video was also presented with the same headline on different websites, such as here and here.

Investigation:

211Check traced the TikTok video to Djibo Amadou, who shared the video on July 26, 2023. 

A Reverse Image Search, of a screengrab from the video returned many results, some dating back as far as 2021.

Sources that used the video with the same or similar headlines include here, here, and  here, among others. 

However, the results also brought up the video as shared on December 27, 2021, by a Facebook user. The video was shared with an accompanying text in Hausa, identified with the help of Google Translate. The text’s translation identifies the person in the video as ‘Morou Amadou, the former Niger minister of Justice.’

A screenshot of the text shared by the Facebook user as translated by Google

We also discovered that the video had been shared on Twitter on December 20, 2021, with a caption in Arabic. Using Google Translate, we realised the post described the man in the video as the former Minister of Justice, ‘Maro Amdo’, who was a minister in Niger between 2011 and 2021. 

The narrative was that the minister was crying while praising the former presidents of Niger, especially Muhammadu Issoufou, with whom he worked for ten years as Minister of Justice.

The screenshot of the tweet is both in arabic and English

Morou Amadou 

A search on Google using the words “Is Morou Amadou the former finance minister of Niger?” returned several results explaining that Amadou was the Former Minister of Justice from April 21, 2011–April 1, 2021.

A picture of Morou Amadou, while still in office as Minister of Justice 

On the other hand, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the former Finance Minister of Niger, has been appointed the New Prime Minister by coup leader Abdourahmane Tchiani. 

A picture of the former minister of finance, currently the prime minister  (AFP).

Niger coup saga

On July 26, 2023, the Presidential Guard in Niger launched a coup and detained President Mohamed Bazoum and his family. Senior officers from various defence and security forces (FDS) branches formed a junta named the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP). They announced the seizure of power In a televised broadcast. The public response varied, with initial demonstrations in support of Bazoum being dispersed by mutinous soldiers and subsequent demonstrations in support of the CNSP. On July 27, the Nigerien Armed Forces joined the CNSP, citing their intent to avoid lethal confrontation and to safeguard the president and his family. (Source🙂

Conclusion

The claim in the video, which has been widely shared, is false and misleading. This video, which is of former Nigerien Minister of Justice Marou Amadou, has been online since December 2021 and is unrelated to the coup.

Similarly, several fact-checking organisations have also debunked the claim, as seen here, here, and here.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

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 their lives. Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

ALTERED: This image purportedly of Bill Gates under armed watch by US Federal marshals is manipulated

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The photo is from an old #DeathPenaltyFail campaign video.

Writer: PesaCheck

This image on a Facebook post purportedly of Bill Gates under armed watch by US Federal marshals at Guantanamo Bay is ALTERED.

The billionaire is strapped to a gurney, according to a claim attributed to The Washington Post.

The post reads: “Bill Gates Arrested by US Federal Marshals; Being Held Under Armed Watch at Guantanamo Bay; Charged With War Crimes Against Humanity. Washington Post.”

A keyword search on The Washington Post’s website shows the media house did not publish such an article on Gates. There is also no information on the alleged arrest from a credible source.

A reverse image search on TinEye established that the image is old and is not of Gates as claimed.

The original image is from a YouTube video available on World News Network (WN.com) dated 16 April 2019 with the title, “#DeathPenaltyFail A Lethal Injection”.

The video description reads: “This video contains images that some viewers may find offensive. A painstaking reconstruction of a real-time execution by lethal injection that highlights some of the very specific issues relating to the USA’s preferred execution method. Using CCTV footage, authentic set design and a script based on real life events, the reality of a lethal injection is heightened to uncomfortable levels.*”

The video is part of the #DeathPenaltyFail campaign pushing for the repeal of the death penalty in the US. It appears on the campaign’s website and was first uploaded on 25 August 2016 on their YouTube channel.

A closer look at the image in the claim alongside the original one shows similarities that indicate Gate’s face was photoshopped into the latter, and a blue filter was added to the image in the claim to make it look different from the original.

From left to right: Image in the claim versus original image

PesaCheck has looked into a Facebook post with an image purportedly of Bill Gates held under armed watch by US Federal marshals at Guantanamo Bay and finds it to be ALTERED.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

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 their lives. Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: No evidence low sugar intake, hot lemon juice and organic coconut oil can cure cancer

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There is no scientific evidence that supports the claim. 

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino 

A message circulating on WhatsApp claims that a ‘Dr. Gupta’ says: “No one should die of cancer except due to carelessness.”

The message also lists some steps to back up the statement: The first step is to stop all sugar intake; without sugar in your body, cancer cells can die naturally. The second step is to drink hot lemon juice for three months before eating food, and the third step is to drink three tablespoons of coconut oil morning and night.

The claim, which has also been shared here on Facebook,  adds that the steps will eliminate cancer cells in the body.

Screenshot of the claims as shared on WhatsApp (2).

No, stopping sugar intake cannot kill cancer:

211 Check investigated the claim and discovered that, according to the US National Cancer Institute, cancer cells usually multiply quickly, which takes a lot of energy. The primary energy source in our bodies is glucose, which comes from sugar. Cancer cells also need lots of nutrients such as fats and amino acids. 

“Cancer cells, like all cells, require nourishment to flourish. Sugar is a significant fuel source but is far from the only one cancer needs,” says Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a US-based research institute.

Can drinking hot lemon juice for three months cure cancer?

In the second step, the claim stated that hot lemon juice for three months could cure cancer.

Cancer Research UK, a registered charity that provides cancer information to the public, says that lemons contain properties like pectin, which, when modified, is an alternative therapy. 

Still, according to the National Center for Health Research, lemons are not proven or considered a remedy for fighting any type of cancer. No studies have been done to compare the effectiveness of lemon juice to chemotherapy. 

Can taking three tablespoons of organic coconut oil morning and night cure cancer?

The third step claims that taking three tablespoons of organic coconut oil morning and night will make the cancer ‘disappear’. The claim doesn’t specify how long this should be done.

The Harvard School of Public Health says that although coconut oil has many health benefits, they are tied to oil with a special formulation made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is not available in coconut oil usually found in commercial stores. Also, coconut oil mainly contains lauric acid, which is not an MCT but has been found to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. However, it is not established as a cure. 

Furthermore, the  World Health Organization(WHO) fact sheet has not mentioned any scientific proof supporting lemon, a sugar-free diet, or organic coconut oil curing cancer.

211 Check also found debunks by Africa Check, Full Fact, and Factly, which disputed the claims and the doctor.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that hot lemon water, sugar-free diets, and organic coconut oil can cure cancer unproven. The claim is a long-running social media hoax, and no scientific data or studies have shown that lemon, a sugar-free diet, and organic coconut oil can cure cancer.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

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 vital 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, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

South Sudan S.4 Results 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis of Performance by Gender, States, and Schools

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South Sudan’s S4 2023 results reveal Central Equatoria State’s dominance in top-performing schools and the highest number of students, with notable success in the science category.

Writer: Stephen Topua

Brace yourself for an enlightening journey as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of gender-based achievements, state-level triumphs, and the schools that paved the way for success in the 2022/23 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations results.

This data story highlights the students’ performances in the recently released South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE), also known as Senior Four (S.4) results. We look at the performance by gender, state and school.

The data used in the making of this data story is available here.

Feb 24, 2023, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction of the Republic of South Sudan released a press statement on the upcoming Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations for March 2023. Thirty-five thousand four hundred fifty-nine (35,459) students were registered to participate in the exams in three hundred ninety-eight (398) schools across the states and administrative regions. 

However, the total number of students who sat for the S4 results in 2023 was 28,916, with Central Equatoria State accounting for 13,901 students or 48% of the total student population. 

Abyei and Pubor Administrative Region accounted for 255 and 38 students, respectively or a mere 1.01% of the total student population. This is highlighted in the chart below. 

Results by State

South Sudan has ten (10) states and three (03) Administrative areas, and we analyse the results based on these parts. The results are highlighted below. We display the performance index of each State. Central Equatoria had the highest performance index of 74.8%, while Pibor Administrative Area, which also had the least number of students, had the lowest performance index of 59.7%. Unity State, Ruweng Administrative Area, IDP Juba and UNS are not represented in this data. 

Top Performing Schools

Of the best-performing schools, except one (01) – (Laselie Boys from Lakes) are from Central Equatoria State. Among the top 10, Juba Dioceseaen was the best in the country, with an index of 85.8, with 134 candidates. Among the top 10, Darling Wisdom Academy had the highest number of students, with a total of 330, while Covenant Progress had the least number of students, with a total of 17. 

The average number of students among the top 10 schools is 115, with an average index of 84.867. this is illustrated in detail in the graph below

Top Performing Students

How was the performance of the students? We analyse that below.

In this section, we study several parameters:

Number of students in top 10 positions

A total of twenty (20) students shared the top ten (10) positions, a total of twelve (12) gents and eight (08) ladies. All but one student was from the science section. The best student was from Western Bahr el Ghazal, while eighteen (18) were from Central Equatoria. Lakes was the other state with a representative in the second position. 

A total of eight (08) schools were represented, with Brilliant Academy Secondary School having the highest number of students, a total of nine (09) out of twenty (20), or a whopping 45% of all students in the top 10 positions. This is represented below. 

Performance of female students 

Fourteen (14) students shared the top ten (10) female student positions, all from Central Equatoria State. Only seven (07) schools have students on this list. Darling Wisdom Academy and Brilliant Academy each have four (04) students on this list, while four (04) schools have one (01) student each.  This is illustrated in the chart below. 

Conclusion:

One of the findings from this data story is that Central Equatoria State (CES) has the highest number of schools, and the top-performing schools are also from Central Equatoria State (CES). 

The science category also produced the highest number of top-performing students, both in general and among female students. Many students were also sharing the top positions, indicating good performance among the top students.

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.

Explainer: Why South Sudanese should learn data literacy to harness the potential of data

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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:

  1. Data Analysis: Examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
  1. Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to present complex information clearly and easily understandable.
  1. Data Ethics: The moral principles and guidelines governing data’s responsible and ethical use, including data privacy and security considerations.
  1. Data Quality: The accuracy, reliability, and consistency of data, ensuring it is fit for its intended purpose.
  1. Data Collection: The systematic process of gathering raw data from various sources for analysis and decision-making.
  1. Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in data to improve its quality.
  1. Data Privacy: Protecting individuals’ personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
  1. Data Security: Measures and practices put in place to protect data from unauthorised access, loss, or theft.
  1. Data Governance: The overall management and control of data within an organisation to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
  1. Big Data: Huge and complex data sets that require advanced technologies and analytics for processing and analysis.
  1. Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
  1. Data Warehouse: A centralised repository that stores and organises large volumes of data from different sources for analysis and reporting.
  1. Data Mining: The process of extracting valuable patterns and insights from large datasets using statistical and machine learning techniques.
  1. Data-driven Decision Making: Using data and analysis to guide and support decision-making processes.
  1. Open Data: Data that is freely available for anyone to access, use, and distribute.
  1. Data Integration: Combining and harmonizing data from different sources creates a unified view.
  2. Data Storytelling: The art of presenting data and analysis in a compelling and engaging narrative to communicate insights effectively.
  1. 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.

Explainer: What are internet cookies, and what are they used for? 

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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.

Types of Cookies

Some of the types of cookies include:

  • 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.

Sources:

  1. https://allaboutcookies.org/what-is-a-cookie 
  2. https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/privacy/what-are-cookies/#:~:text=Cookies%20are%20small%20files%20of,makes%20of%20the%20web%20server. 
  3. https://www.earthlink.net/blog/what-are-internet-cookies/ 

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.

Fact-check: “Are you from South Sudan?” Job Scams

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These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

Writer: Jibi Moses

If you are a regular Facebook and Messenger user, you must have encountered multiple sponsored Facebook job advertisements on various pages. The pages which run a series of these ads claim there are jobs in the US or Canada for people from South Sudan.

These pages, among others, are; Exact Grant (here, here and here), Jobs Global Center (here) and Study for You (Here).  

The adverts run with different headings, such as “Hiring Caregivers in the USA | jobs as a night carer for the elderly” and “Looking for jobs that are right for you.”

These posts claim that the jobs include housekeeping, elderly caregiving, driving, supermarket attendants, construction and painting. The pages make further claims about how people will be paid per hour, ranging from 25 USD to 50 USD, depending on what one intends to apply for, and every opportunity doesn’t require experience. 

Screenshots of one of the adverts from Exact Grant.

Investigation:

These adverts are everywhere on Facebook and are concentrated on South Sudanese. And many people were commenting, showing interest in applying for these jobs, which raised concern, and 211Check ran an investigation. However, on opening the site, they immediately lead one to  Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz.

This also has several other sponsored adverts, including, among others, Americanmobile.com, TravelNursing.com, and Travel Nursing Jobs. These are legitimate Nurse staffing agencies with enough experience in doing their work according to the detailed information on their websites and the whois details, all located and registered in the United States of America. Here are their whois details respectively. (Here, here, here). These three companies were registered long ago, the earliest in 1997 and the latest in 2001.

However, on scanning the link Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz using Virustotal, 211 Check found that it has a suspicious, as detected by Forcepoint Threatseeker.

As it operates, Forcepoint ThreatSeeker Intelligence: Monitors popular websites to see if they’ve been compromised or hijacked. Follows breaking news, trending topics and viral social media to identify additional content to assess.

A browser hijacker is a malware program that modifies web browser settings without the user’s permission and redirects the user to websites the user had not intended to visit. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects the browser to other, usually malicious, websites.

Cybercriminals create malicious websites to steal data and plant malware such as ransomware. These websites often masquerade as legitimate ones and use phishing emails to lure visitors

Screenshot of the virus total results.

Conclusion 

The adverts running through different platforms claiming to offer jobs to South Sudanese are mainly false; these ads contain malware intentionally created to divert users to websites they don’t intend to use. These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

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.