Lithuania has issued a warning about the proliferation of false information through short message service (SMS) following the NATO summit in Vilnius. The police, taking to social media, alerted the public to the mass dissemination of misleading information, particularly regarding alleged secret agreements made during the summit, BNN Network reports.

“We want to emphasize that this information is false. Do not hesitate to delete these messages. Remain vigilant and do not fall prey to provocations,” the police stated.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT) also cautioned the public earlier this week about receiving SMS messages containing false information about the NATO summit. The agency revealed that the false messages, seemingly sent by the police, included misinformation claiming that security had been heightened due to potential unrest. RRT clarified that the police do not send mass messages and urged individuals to refer to official information available on the relevant authorities’ websites. Additionally, the agency requested people to report false messages to the police.

In an effort to counteract the spread of disinformation, the Lithuanian authorities are taking swift action. The police are actively investigating the origin of the false messages and working to identify those responsible for their distribution. The RRT is cooperating with telecom operators to enhance filtering mechanisms and identify suspicious SMS traffic. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate citizens about the risks of false information and how to verify the accuracy of messages received.

The issue of false information, especially through digital platforms, has become a global concern in recent years. The rapid spread of misinformation can have serious consequences, including social unrest and erosion of trust in institutions. Governments and organizations around the world are implementing measures to combat this growing problem. Encouraging media literacy, promoting fact-checking initiatives, and fostering critical thinking skills are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of false information.