The general public is hereby warned that the spread of fake news on social media has reached a level never seen before in PNG. PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology understands the negative impacts of fake news and is closely monitoring through its Social Media Management Desk (SMMD) activities of certain individuals and groups with malicious intent that are going around doing character assassination of leaders using social media platforms during this election period. Character Assassination is a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation, especially by criticizing them in an unfair and dishonest way when they are not present. All candidates, regardless of who they are have their democratic rights to contest the election and must be respected to exercise their rights. The Department hereby strongly warns those involved in spreading fake news to immediately refrain from such illegal activities or find themselves facing the full force of Law.