Misinformation can travel faster than a text message, and a screenshot with an official-sounding title can look convincing at a glance.

Recently, a document went viral via WhatsApp purporting to be an official directive banning people aged 16 and under from owning smartphones

Has an order really been issued banning smartphones for under-16s?

The Prime Minister's Department has denied the validity of a viral document claiming that an order has been issued banning smartphones for under-16s.

It said a document titled "Order Prohibiting the Use of Smartphones for Individuals Under the Age of 16" circulating on WhatsApp is false.

The department said it had never issued any statement related to such a ban and added that the public is advised to be ethical and responsible when sharing information to avoid confusion.

It said that the public is urged to verify the authenticity of information before forwarding it to others and added that the dissemination of false information is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988.