The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has dispelled reports that it was conducting investigations against media houses that were using commercial petroleum-based printing ink in their newspapers.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 6, KEBS stated that it had not issued any statement on media houses using Carbon Black Ink which is linked to causing cancer and other health issues.
Further, the false statement, highlighted by the bureau indicated that the media houses under investigations were Nation Media Group and Standard Group.
The newspapers in question included “The Daily Nation, The East African Business Daily, Tata Leo and The Stand and The Wallen.”
“This Notice is “FAKE” and has not originated from KEBS. Please take note,” the bureau indicated.
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KEBS Highlights Fake Notice on Newspaper Ink
The flagged notice detailed that the mentioned media houses had failed to meet the minimum required thresholds for the use of petroleum-based printing ink in their newspapers and would therefore undergo mandatory investigations.
“The Government of Kenya instructed all media houses to reduce the use of Carbon Black Ink, which is known to contain traces of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) linked to cancer and other health issues.”
“We wish to inform the public that pursuant to an agency mandated investigation the following National Media Houses have failed to meet the minimum required threshold for the use of commercial petroleum-based printing ink in their National newspapers,” the statement read in part.
In addition, the notice asked members of the public to be on high alert and avoid using newspapers for wrapping foods or using the newspapers as toilet paper.
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“Furthermore, KEBS issued in immediate directive and recommendation to the public to be on high alert and avoid using exid newspapers for wrapping food and in other cases using it as toilet paper.
“Special attention is given to Mama Mbogas, Butcheries and those who live in Informal Settlements. Studies have linked this Carbon Black Petroleum-based Ink to cancer and other skin disorders,” added the flagged notice.
How to Detect Fake Publications
One of the ways to detect fake publications and notices is the establishing source of the information.
In an era of increased misinformation and disinformation, it is important to take note of the entity or authority sharing the information and countercheck if it is an official website or social media page.
Also, like the publication that was flagged by KEBS, many fake publications will contain grammatical errors and other mistakes that would easily not be made by officials working for government entities.
In this case, some of the newspapers mentioned do not exist and others are misspelt.
Other trends in the digital era include phishing where cyber criminals send a link with the intention of obtaining information from an unsuspecting target.
In December 2023, DCI warned Kenyans against tricks used by scammers to manipulate unsuspecting Kenyans online including phishing.
Phishing which is commonly used to gain access to mobile and personal details without authorization by luring victims through fake job message offers and other benefits.
“Once you respond, the scammer tells you it is a simple job and all you have is to complete a few tasks. This may come with a financial incentive or bait.
“The scam moves to phase two. The scammers act as if there are some difficulties in transferring the amount and will ask you to download an app for easy transfer,” read the statement in part.
