This conference will examine the phenomenon of fake news and its use and abuse by governments, private entities and social media, the role of the citizen in the consumption of such ‘news’, the responsibility of media outlets and the emerging legislation around it and its impact on human rights. Themes The key issues that will be examined are as follows are: 1. History of fake news by governments and media outlets 2. Emerging laws and legislation to curb fake news 3. Fake news and its ability to influence voter sentiment during elections 4. Fake news and its role in fanning communal violence 5. Fake news and the role of media owners, journalists and distributors of social media content 6. Impact of fake news on democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression