The Ministry of Interior has warned people against spreading rumours asking them to take information from its official sources.
“Rumour mongering and spreading stories from unknown sources will harm others and those involved will be held legally accountable,” the Ministry said on its official Twitter account.
The Ministry added that action would take against those spreading false news from unknown sources.
Most rumours spread through social media as people use digital channels to have the maximum number of people receive the information.
One recent example said that the Traffic Department is giving 70 percent discount on penalties if paid before May 11.
Asked about this case, a source at the Traffic Department said there are many rumours doing the rounds nowadays and this is just one among them.
“People must check information from official sources, just in case we are offering a discount. There is no need for others to announce such information for us, " said the source. Another example was circulated earlier and suggested that a new alphabet had been added to car number plates in Qatar, and the General Directorate of Traffic Department brushed aside rumours vehemently and had said that there was no change in vehicle number plates.
Explaining the spread of rumours, he said: “Sometimes people maybe just joking on a WhatsApp Group and it spreads and people take the message seriously."
“I was preparing to go to Traffic Department to benefit from this offer thinking it is true. Because why should one has interest in spreading these messages. Honestly, I can tell you that I usually believe these rumours because only few people have time to check the official sources” said Taher from Sudan.
“I never believed in such rumours. When I receive any such thing I directly check from the official website of newspapers to confirm if it is true or not. Those who spread such rumours to deceive people also indulge in manipulating the picture and make some changes through photoshop or design programmes and add the official logo so that it should look real,” said Hatem from Lebanon.
