The issue of fake news is basically not a new thing but it has been seen since historical times, the only issue currently is that the advancement of science and technology has brought about the increase of fake news due to the outburst of the social media platforms which basically stands as the new bridge of distribution of the information to a global audience. This brings us to the inevitable need to counter fake news much more strictly as they have currently become part of our daily lives due to the increase of science and technological advancements. Furthermore the spread and increase of publications of fake news has left the government of Tanzania with no choice but to step in and try to harmonize the situation at hand (fake news) due to the fact that the government is responsible for the welfare of the people and it is absolute duty of the government to ensure that the issues regarding fake news are dealt with through establishment and enactment of laws, regulations, policies and rules to regulate and govern the society by providing Order and prosperity of the Country in all aspects.[i] Despite the fact that the Tanzania’s Government is responsible in ensuring that the problem of fake news is dealt with the Government shall be accountable to the people in doing so it should adhere to the requirements of the law, by enacting laws, regulations and policies that are sound and reasonable because a sound framework of the laws, regulation and policies can enhance security of information and the flow of information within the Nation. Therefore the call behind this paper is to examine what amounts to fake news, right to information in modern era, the role of the government regarding the right to information and aspect of fake news, major challenges currently, and finally how to strike a balance.
[i] Article 8 (1)(b-c) The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 [CAP 2 R.E. 2005] as amended from time to time
