Elijah Alier noted that misinformation and disinformation are causing unnecessary panic and fear among the public.
Alier emphasized the collective responsibility of all citizens to ensure that social media remains a tool for positive communication rather than division and harm.
“Every time we pick up our phones to share a message on social media, we make a choice. That choice can either strengthen or weaken the social fabric of our society,” Alier told reporters on Tuesday in Juba.
South Sudan’s social media landscape has seen rapid growth over the past few years, which Alier believes makes every individual with a smartphone or social media account an influencer.
He pointed out the importance of relying on credible sources of information.
“We must verify information before sharing it. Our legally recognized media houses are the primary sources of credible information in South Sudan,” he said.
He also reminded political and religious leaders of their significant influence, urging them to be responsible in their speech.
“When you speak, people listen. We urge you to use this influence wisely and responsibly, to unite rather than divide, to heal rather than harm,” Alier asserted.
As part of a collective responsibility, Alier also called on publishing houses to do their part in combating misinformation.
"You are the guardians of truth in our society. Your commitment to fact-checking and responsible reporting serves as our first line of defense against misinformation,” he declared.
MA has also advised the government to take action to prevent the spread of false information by ensuring the timely dissemination of credible and accurate news.
"This is not just about controlling information; it's about protecting our national harmony and unity,” he echoed.
The managing director reminded South Sudanese citizens of the importance of unity in building a strong nation.
“Our diversity is our beauty, and our ability to live harmoniously is our greatest asset. Let us use social media to showcase the best of our nation, our resilience, our culture, our achievements, and our unwavering spirit," he added.
Furthermore, the regulator clarified that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) does not have the power to shut down social media sites.
A couple of weeks ago, the secretary general of SPLM warned of the potential shutdown of social media if abused.
This was due to rumors on social media of unrest inside the army headquarters that went viral on November 26, causing panic among many citizens.
President Salva Kiir addressed citizens to treat these claims as false, assuring them of their safety.
Kiir explained that those behind the false reports are people who benefit from chaos and war.
The president’s speech ended with a clear message: "Learn to defy these rumors; never take them seriously, because they are lies."
In November, Nelson Kwaje, a cybercrime expert, also urged the public to always verify messages.
The expert emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to receive training as the national parliament processes the cybercrime and computer misuse bill to address cyber-related crime.
As of January 2024, there were 1.36 million internet users in South Sudan.
The country’s internet penetration rate stood at 12.1 percent of the total population at the start of this year.
Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in South Sudan increased by 22 thousand (+1.7 percent) between January 2023 and January 2024.
These user figures reveal that 9.82 million people in South Sudan did not use the internet at the start of 2024, suggesting that 87.9 percent of the population remained offline at the beginning of the year.