How the Arab uprisings were weakened by online fakes


A file photo taken on Jan 22, 2011, policemen film with their phones as they demonstrate against the new government on Bourguiba avenue in central Tunis. — AFP

TUNIS: The Arab uprisings a decade ago were supercharged by online calls to join the protests – but the Internet was soon flooded with misinformation, weakening the region’s cyber-activists.

When Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country in January 2011, rumours and uncertainty created “panic and hysteria”, said ex-activist and entrepreneur Houeida Anouar.

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Arab Spring

   

Next In Tech News

Review: With PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony creates attractive alternative to high-end gaming PC
OpenAI's ChatGPT faces massive outage with thousands of users impacted
Booking.com parent to cut jobs as part of reorganization plan
ASML hit with global IT outage that was resolved
Trump Media shares jump after Trump says he won't sell
Russia's Yandex plans to invest in Indonesia's AI, minister says
Exclusive-India finds Zomato, Swiggy food delivery businesses breached antitrust laws, documents show
Pharrell Williams to bring star power to Web Summit tech event
Influencer is banned from future NYC marathons for bringing a camera crew to last weekend’s race
LightOn to become Europe's first listed GenAI startup with Paris IPO

Others Also Read