Tag Archive for: #SouthSudan

Fact-check: Are these images all from South Sudan?

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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.

Other pages that used the same picture with the same caption include Voice of Africa, African Hub, and  Great Africa.

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.

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 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. 

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.

Fact-check: Does this photo show a man who added HIV- infected blood to Pepsi products?

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No, the image under investigation was first published nearly ten years ago, depicting the extradition of a terrorism suspect from Sudan to Nigeria. However, the claim fails to specify the location or time of the incident referenced in the post.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

An image circulating on WhatsApp claiming that people should avoid consuming any products from the Pepsi Company for a few weeks due to an alleged incident where a worker supposedly added his HIV-infected blood to the beverages firm products is FALSE.

The image shows a man in handcuffs being escorted by police and is accompanied by a message stating that Sky News reported the incident.

A screenshot from the WhatsApp group describes the above situation. 

Investigation:

According to a Google Lens Search of the image, the photo was shared after the arrest of the alleged Nyanya bombing mastermind, Aminu Ogwuche.

Further investigation by 211 Check confirmed that the photo depicts Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, who was arrested in Sudan and later extradited to Nigeria after the Nyanya bomb attack in Nigeria’s Federal Capital. According to the Nigerian site Premium Times, Ogwuche was handed over to the Nigerian police on 15 July 2014.

In another related finding, Vishvas News conducted a fact-check on 15 July 2020. It debunked a claim stating that the man in the photo contaminated Cadbury products with his alleged HIV-positive blood.

However, it’s important to note that according to the Centre for Food Safety and the World Health Organization, HIV cannot be transmitted through water or food because the virus does not survive long outside the human body. Additionally, if food contains a small amount of HIV-infected blood or semen, the virus is destroyed when exposed to air, heat from cooking, and stomach acids.

Elsewhere, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that the only case where food infected with HIV blood could potentially affect people is if a mother or caregiver who is HIV positive chooses to give pre-chewed food from their mouth to an infant.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the claim that a man put his HIV-infected blood in Pepsi products is false and misleading. 

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

HOAX: This Google Form advertising jobs in Canada is a scam

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The work permit application criteria on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website does not include filling out a Google Form.

Writer: PesaCheck

This Google Form on Facebook with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada is a HOAX.

The form claims there is a massive recruitment targeting Kenyans seeking employment in Canada.

The purported Google Form makes reference to the labour migration framework announced on 2 May 2023 by President William Ruto that Kenya and Canada are working to enable more Kenyans to get skilled jobs in the North American country.

However, communication by the IRCC and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not indicate that the procedure to apply for Canadian jobs includes filling out a Google Form, such as the one we are investigating.

The Google Form lists bakery workers, truck drivers, housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, chefs, plumbers, and janitors, among others, as the jobs Kenyans should apply for.

Curiously, the qualifications for employment are basic despite some of the jobs listed requiring professional expertise. They include that the job seeker must be 18 years and above, be conversant in English, be disciplined, and ready to work in Canada.

The Google Form further promises a remuneration package of CAD$69,500 (KSh5,370,000) and above per year. It also promises free Kenyan passport application, Canadian visa application, air ticket, and accommodation in Canada, among other benefits.

The form includes an image that is irrelevant to Canadian immigration. A reverse image search shows that the photograph was taken in November 2022, when President Ruto oversaw an agreement between Kenya and Fortescue Future Industries, an Australia-based multinational firm, to fast-track the development of affordable green fertiliser.

Further, the Google Form lists an 11-step procedure for applying for jobs in Canada, including paying a registration fee of KSh850 to a provided number to qualify.

The mobile money transaction message shows that the registration fee has been sent to Airswift Services.

On 16 May 2023, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to cons purporting to offer jobs in Canada.

Mutua tweeted: “Please be wary of agencies that say they are recruiting for Canadian firms. We are aware that some Kenyans have been conned by some agencies and you therefore need to be careful so that you are not swindled. I will be providing a list of Canadian Government approved consultants (under the College of Immigration and Citizenship approved consultants.”

Additionally, information on the IRCC website states that people seeking jobs in Canada should consult its website to determine the programmes for which they may be eligible.

The procedure for applying for a work permit in Canada depends on the applicant’s varied circumstances and does not include filling out any Google Form as claimed.

PesaCheck has examined the Google Form with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada and found it to be a HOAX.

This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.

FALSE: This image is not of protesters in France aboard a police vehicle

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The image is of a scene from Athena, a 2022 film.

Writer: PesaCheck

This image on Twitter, purportedly of demonstrators in France aboard a police vehicle, is FALSE.

The image is of individuals clinging to the door of a moving police van, with one person seated on the roof holding a French flag. A motorcycle follows closely behind the van, performing a stunt.

The photo accompanies the text, “France welcomed ‘peaceful’ Middle East immigrants into their country. Now, that 9% of the population is wrecking (sic) havoc on their cities, even after their Defense Minister deployed 45,000 police in a loose attempt to restore order”.

The post was shared on 1 July 2023, following a series of protests in France triggered by the fatal shooting of a teenager by a policeman in Nanterre.

PesaCheck performed a Google reverse image search to establish the authenticity of the image. The results led to a link on the Netflix website, listing a movie called Athena. The movie is about the aftermath of a tragic incident involving the killing of a young boy.

A trailer for the movie, posted on YouTube in 2022, features a chaotic scene that includes the image we are fact-checking. The image and the trailer share significant similarities, such as the presence of a motorcycle rider, individuals hanging onto the van’s door, and the flag on the roof.

PesaCheck has examined an image on Twitter purportedly of protesters in France aboard a police vehicle and found it to be FALSE.

This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Debunking the Mosquito Coil Lung Disease Myth in South Sudan and Ghana (2016)

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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.

Fact-check: Viral WhatsApp message about 2023 recruitment at Total Energies is false

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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.

Total Energies is a French multinational integrated energy and petroleum company founded in 1924 and is one of the seven supermajor oil companies. Is Headquartered in  Courbevoie, France. With Subsidiaries of  TotalEnergies, Total Espana SA, SunPower, and MORE currently under the leadership of Patrick Pouyanné as the CEO, He assumed that position on 22 October 2014. 

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.com

A 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.

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: No, this circular was not issued by WHO

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The messages about habits that hurt the brain have not come from the World Health Organisation. The WHO has nothing to do with these false messages being spread in its name.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A Circular purportedly from the World Health Organization is making rounds on WhatsApp with what they say are the seven causes of brain stroke.

The document begins with an invitingly enticing message written in bold letters as, “Please read this msg carefully and forward it to everyone for knowledge.”

A screenshot of the false circular

Investigations

211Check ran a Reverse Image Search to investigate whether it was from the World Health Organization. The results show that the same claim has been circulating for a long time, and many fact-checking organisations have previously worked on it. Facts Crecendo and Vishvas News are some of the organisations, and they found that WHO did not issue this and that these seven habits don’t cause brain stroke, though they can be dangerous to our health if overdone, according to health experts.

“While the seven habits mentioned in the viral post do not directly lead to brain damage, however, it can cause serious health complications when done in excess”.

What is Brain Stroke?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or death.

There are mainly two types of stroke, Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Most strokes are ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels in the brain.

On the 29th of October 2016, a report was published by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh on the WHO South-East Asia website explaining clearly the causes and effects of brain stroke, which he emphasises much as alcohol consumption and over-smoking.

 “People who smoke should quit, and those who drink heavily should cease. These factors alone significantly multiply the likelihood of stroke.”

Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them. Also here are some definitions of brain stroke from population health institutions, NHS- UK, Mayo Clinic, NHI, Cleveland and UCLA Health. 

Blood clots and blood leaks in the brain due to vessel ruptures are the main causes of brain stroke. Johns Hopkins Medicine is a medical institution in the US whose mission is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. Clearly explains the causes, risks factors,  symptoms, Preventive measures and treatment of Brain Stroke.

NHS also explains the causes of brain stroke in this Article and breaks them down as smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake; it further goes ahead and explains the Things that increase the risk of high blood pressure include: being overweight, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking, a lack of exercise, stress.

These factors, mainly collaborating, are the leading causes of stroke.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the circular in WhatsApp groups, claiming to be creating awareness by spotting the causes of brain stroke, is false and does not originate from WHO.

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 about 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.

Fact-check: Did Gumbo Sherikat Juba witness the demolition of these houses?

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These pictures were from Nigeria, Benue state, where the Authorities destroyed two houses of a notorious kidnapper who used them to keep the kidnapped people.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A Facebook page South Sudan News Agency, posted pictures of an excavator demolishing a house. The page boasts 20 thousand likes and 27 thousand followers and describes itself as a Media/ news company managed in Wau and Juba.

 The tabloid says, “An angry man in Gumbo Sherikat demolished a house that he built for his girlfriend’s parents after they rejected his marriage proposal.”

The post attracted over 100 reactions, 50 comments, and 33 shares in one day. However, Other media in East and West Africa have also posted the same pictures with the same false storyline in Kenya (Kenya Today), Nigeria (Naira land forum) and Uganda (Princess Tina).

A screenshot of the image of the building being demolished as posted on Facebook

Investigations:

Comments and posts from the other three countries prompted 211 Check to investigate. 

A Reverse Image Search on the picture shows the pictures were first used on 28 June 2021 in Nigeria. We also discovered the photos were for two separate houses. The Sun, an online Nigerian Outlet, ran the story with the heading “Police demolish two houses used as kidnap den in Benue ”. The piece by Rose Ejembi, written on the 28th of June 2021, has two pictures of the destroyed houses and another snapshot of the owners taken in handcuffs.

“Two houses belonging to a wanted suspected kidnapper and armed robber known as Aondofa Cephas Chekele (alias Azonto) were demolished Monday by the Benue State government”. 

Abdulazeez Badaru Jikamshi, on the 29th of June 2021, posted the same pictures on a Facebook page called Inside Kaduna with two photos of one of the demolished houses. 

“SECURITY NEWS: Benue State govt demolish two houses allegedly belonging to a notorious kidnapper and armed robber Aondofa Cephas Chekele aka Azonto. The state government said this serves as a warning to Criminals that government will no longer tolerate criminal activities in d state. #SecureNorth #SecureNigeria”  as it appears on his post.

Other sources that wrote about the story are here: Ripples Nigeria, Donkes News Lab, and Benue Chronicles News Online, ANN, among many Nigerian News outlets.

A screenshot of one of the pictures used by the Sun shows the police and the kidnapper.
A screenshot of the images of the houses used by the Sun.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the pictures of an excavator demolishing a house claiming to be from Gumbo Shirikat are false. These pictures were from Nigeria, Benue state, where the Authorities destroyed two homes of a notorious kidnapper who used them to keep the kidnapped people.

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 about 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.