DM uses WhatsApp to quash rumours

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 DM uses WhatsApp to quash rumours

Dubai - Dubai Municipality launched the rumours receiving service through WhatsApp on number 0501077799

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Fri 29 Jul 2016, 7:59 PM

Last updated: Sat 30 Jul 2016, 8:40 AM

As part of developing the 'Authentic News' initiative, and after its success in refuting and quashing 35 rumours and gainsays since May, the Dubai Municipality launched the rumours receiving service through WhatsApp on number 0501077799, a senior official at Dubai Municipality said.
Ibrahim Deshti, Head of the Communication (Call) Centre at Dubai Municipality said the authorities's action stems from the principle of transparency and its belief in the importance of stamping out the menace of rumours fast and sensibly after ensuring the source of the false news, and after creating a sense of awareness among members of the society through its multiple channels.

What is Authentic News initiative?
In 2015, Dubai Municipality launched the "Authentic News" initiative, which urged the public to call the DM call centre to clarify any concerns that arise from rumours being spread on social media. The calls would be responded to with verified information within eight hours.
"As many as 12 rumours detected so far and noted were about foods, health, safety, buildings and waste," he noted.
He said most of the rumours were related to the energy drink Red Bull, Starbucks Coffee, Al Qaseem coffee, Kinder chocolate, instant yeast, Indomie and Burger King Foods, which were all handled and refuted immediately.
Deshti added that there are multi-faceted plans to link the public to the centre, especially the sector which requires direct dealing between the municipality and the public, specifically communication and enquiries.
"Operation of answering machines is being made on a trial basis to ensure the request of the caller and ensure his needs, and his complaints or remarks in general," he said.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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