Kathmandu, 11 May: The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) held its Annual General Meeting as it joined celebrations of the World Press Freedom Day in Nairobi, Kenya from May 3 to May 8, 2022. After the four-day meeting the WAPC unanimously adopted the following declaration: WAPC reiterated its concerns over continuing suffering of the members of the media all over the world even when the pandemic seems to be receding. WAPC urged all governments and all Press Councils and organizations and institutions with responsibilities for the preservation of press freedom and the safeguard of the members of the media to ensure that members of the media should receive the same degree of protection even as the pandemic seems to subside. The WAPC agreed to issue a general statement condemning killings and assaults on journalists happening around the world, especially in countries where there is war/conflict. Members agreed that WAPC should continue to stand for the freedom of the press and the improvement in media standards all over the globe. The members also expressed their sincere commitment and resolute stand to continue to strengthen the WAPC and create a digital presence for the Association. Most importantly, WAPC expresses its utmost concern about the uncontrolled spread of fake news and misinformation on social media and other digital platforms. Bloggers and influencers with ulterior motives continue to take advantage of the anonymity in digital platforms and create falsehoods and lies without having any accountability or legal responsibility. These fake news endanger the lives of millions, ignite hatred among people and fuel the intensity of wars, WAPC has remarked. WAPC will strive to explore ways to mitigate the negative impacts of this shift towards anonymity based digital media and provide recommendations to all governments and responsible bodies. The members agreed on the need to develop an online media rules/guidelines framework to guide the conduct of the Online Media around the globe to strongly recommend their adoption by all governments and responsible authorities around the world. Kishor Shrestha, secretary-general, WAPC, had attended the annual general meeting representing Nepal.