Faqcheck Insight #10: Command, Control and Common Sense
Welcome back to Faqcheck Insights!
We’re bringing you our 10th edition of our bi-weekly blog aimed at helping global and local companies in Malaysia understand the complexities of the modern content environment. We know that Faqcheck Insights is the go-to resource for managing ever-evolving threats of misinformation and disinformation.
By staying informed about emerging trends and potential reputational risks, companies can better safeguard their credibility.
This instalment takes a look at the impact and importance of controlling narratives about your brand, while highlighting some uncommon tactics that could be vital to prevent misinformation threats from damaging your reputation.
Israel-Hezbollah: the truth is out there
Recent pager and walkie-talkies explosions in Lebanon triggered an escalation of tension between Israel and Hezbollah amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The attacks are believed to have been orchestrated by Israel, utilising remote-triggered explosives embedded in the devices. Hezbollah vowed retaliation, labelling the incident as "criminal Israeli aggression."
Injuring thousands and killing over 30 people, including children, these explosions exacerbated the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in a fight where lawyers are saying that Israel is violating the rules of war. Israel claimed that they targeted Hezbollah members who were carrying the devices during the pager attacks, but Israel could not know where they would be when the bombs inside the pagers were triggered. Lawyers said proves that Israel was using deadly force without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
As reported, the spillover effects of conflict led to fast, furious and repetitive denials by corporations linked to these devices. Two firms based in Taiwan and Hungary accused in media reports of manufacturing the pagers have both denied responsibility, with the Taiwanese government saying the different parts of the pagers were not from Taiwan. A Japanese company which apparently makes the walkie-talkies said it stopped producing that model 10 years ago.
In the context of misinformation and disinformation, what can be observed here is a similar trajectory of the chain of events after the October 7 incident and the ongoing Gaza war.
When conflict breaks out, companies need to respond fast to stem online speculation and misinformation. In the case of the Israel-Hezbollah tension, what stands out is the sophisticated supply chain attack that crosses borders and implicates countries not directly involved in the conflict. Corporations with international trading partners must keep tabs on their distribution networks, regardless if products or services were discontinued.
Whether directly or indirectly, corporations with a hint of association with conflict or a crisis must address the news quickly. And, to cope with the demand of multi-platform content and 24-hour news, responding repetitively in regular intervals and formats can prevent further false news from spreading.
This is because as observed in a story we published not long ago, social media platforms facilitate the quick dissemination of unverified information. The instantaneous nature of these platforms allow rumours and false narratives to spread unchecked in conflict zones, where traditional media may be lacking or distrusted.
In times of war, the opportunity for speculation is rife with individuals or groups more likely to endorse and share misinformation that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs or perceptions of the conflict.
War propaganda takes hold on narratives and any corporation affected in this region must be on high alert for fake news. What’s also noted is that during the Gaza war disinformation agents often engage in organised disinformation efforts to manipulate public perception and sow division.
When conflicts break out, people will be hungry for information, and those faced emotional trauma or impact, as explained under in a previous story may seek explanations for events, leading them to accept sensational or conspiratorial narratives that provide a sense of understanding or control over chaotic situations.
In today’s volatile global environment, the stakes are higher than ever for businesses with international ties. At Faqcheck, we empower companies to take control of their narrative amidst uncertainty. Don’t let misinformation undermine your brand’s credibility or drag your reputation into the crossfire of conflict. Act now, and let’s build a reputation that stands the test of time.
Get in touch with us today.
Think before you speak
In Malaysia, as authorities continue to investigate Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), opportunities for misinformation and disinformation present itself albeit a little differently.
GISB made headlines after police and Islamic authorities conducted large-scale raids at 20 children homes and shelters linked to GISB, and shut down its businesses in Malaysia for a host of allegations including tax evasion, and closed GISB-linked Islamic schools. These investigations were on top of initial allegations against GISB, for exploiting, sexually and physically abusing hundreds of children in their shelters.
As we've pointed out in a previous roundup, when such news breaks information will spread like wildfire online and give rise to confusion, and result in collateral damage affecting unrelated businesses. In this case other companies sharing the same name as GISB’s associated businesses. If affected, parties need to respond swiftly to any reputational damage.
In some cases, it would also be better if companies, brands or organisations reflect on the need to make public statements to avoid getting roasted or being a subject of misinformation. Let’s analyse this example.
The Malaysian Islamic Party or the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party’s (PAS) recent public statement called for a transparent and professional investigation into the various allegations against GISB, while fully backing strict action against those found guilty.
It also alleged that some other parties had malicious intent or prejudices, and chose to drive “negative campaigns” against GISB and its related businesses. This report also stated that PAS’ called on authorities to not “excessively” investigate the alleged crimes by GISB.
PAS’ position received criticisms, questioning if the party was defending GISB, with this tweet asking if protecting businesses was more important than protecting children. Some users speculated that PAS has or had links with GISB, again fuelling the fire for misinformation or disinformation opportunities.
Corporations monitoring an ongoing issue could take a lesson by remaining silent or issuing objective and neutral statements without asserting positions, particularly if a brand was not directly exposed to the conflict or news at hand.
If a situation is developing and all facts are not yet known, remaining silent can prevent premature or inaccurate statements that could worsen the crisis.
Corporations should balance this tactic with the need for timely communication to maintain credibility and control over their narrative.
