MACRA justifies procurement of misinformation tracking system
Suleman: This is a normal regulatory system used by several regulators globally
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority -MACRA is defending its decision to award a $1.5 million contract to Hashcom Ghana Limited for the implementation of a system designed to track trends in misinformation and disinformation across Malawi.
The system, described as a “misinformation trend analysis platform,” aims to enhance public safety, safeguard national interests, and support regulatory compliance in the increasingly digital age.
“This is a normal regulatory system used by several regulators globally. It compiles reports on trends and does not pinpoint individuals or entities,” explained MACRA Director General Daud Suleman.
He emphasized that the system will not violate freedoms, but rather act as a tool for analyzing trends to help the regulator combat harmful content and promote media literacy.
The platform is expected to identify trends in misinformation, such as election-related fake news or health-related rumors, which could threaten public safety or disrupt social harmony.
Suleman reiterated that this initiative is in line with Section 151 of the Communications Act, which allows MACRA to procure systems that enhance consumer protection.
The tender process for the system began in September 2024, with advertisements placed in major newspapers and international platforms.
Hashcom Ghana Limited emerged as the successful bidder, with their proposal evaluated at $1,500,057.59.
MACRA has invited any appeals against the decision by January 27, 2025.
However, the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) has raised concerns over the project’s potential implications.
ICTAM expresses concerns over the financial strain such a project imposes, citing the ongoing forex crisis and economic challenges facing the country.
While commending MACRA for a move to deal with the vice, ICTAM President Clarence Gama suggested that, given the ongoing forex crisis, the regulator could have explored alternative solutions.
MACRA has assured stakeholders that the system will serve as a proactive tool to enhance the digital ecosystem while protecting citizens from the harmful effects of false information.
“You need to understand what the system does; it compiles reports on trends. It doesn’t stop or pinpoint who is spreading misinformation,” Suleman clarified.
The project comes at a time when misinformation is increasingly influencing public discourse, and MACRA’s move signals a significant step toward addressing the challenges posed by false information in Malawi.
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