Truth Under Attack Government Moves to Defend Integrity in the Digital Space

Show Voice Options The Minister in the Presidency has strongly condemned the circulation of vulgar and digitally manipulated images targeting ministerial social media accounts, warning that such behaviour undermines democratic discourse and erodes public trust. The Minister described the trend as irresponsible and harmful, particularly at a time when government is intensifying efforts to combat misinformation and protect the credibility of public communication platforms.The statement comes amid growing concern about the impact of fake content, deepfakes and online harassment on public institutions and social cohesion. Government emphasised that while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy, deliberate deception and abuse online cross an ethical and legal line, with serious consequences for both individuals and society.The Minister reiterated government's commitment to promoting digital responsibility, media literacy and platform accountability, calling on citizens, media organisations and technology companies to work together in protecting the integrity of South Africa's information environment.