Overview:
Fake social media posts and a cloned news website targeting President Whipps have prompted warnings from officials and media leaders in Palau. Authorities are urging the public to verify sources, avoid suspicious links and stay alert against deepfakes and online scams.
Officials, media leaders urge public vigilance as fake social media content spreads online misinformation in Palau
KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Government officials and local media leaders are warning the public to exercise caution online after two fake social media posts targeting President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. were discovered this week, including a fabricated news story falsely attributed to Island Times.
According to the Office of the President, the false posts are being addressed and efforts are underway to remove the misleading content from social media platforms.
The first incident involved a fake news article designed to resemble an authentic Island Times report. Publisher and editor Leilani Reklai said she began receiving messages from concerned readers around 5 a.m. asking whether the story was real.
“At first, I thought my website had been hacked,” Reklai said. “But after further investigation, I realized it had been cloned, which is just as bad. The fight for the truth just became so much harder with this technological challenge.”
Reklai described the article as a deepfake and urged readers to carefully verify website addresses before trusting or sharing online content. She reminded the public that official Island Times stories are published only through its legitimate website, islandtimes.org.
Officials also identified fake Facebook and Instagram accounts spreading false information about President Whipps. The Office of the President said it is working with Meta Platforms to have the accounts and related posts removed.
The Office of the President advised the public to rely on verified government channels for official information, including its official Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as its LinkedIn account.
Reklai said the growing sophistication of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation makes public awareness increasingly important.
“The only way to fight this is to raise public awareness about the use of social media, the technology and the pitfalls, and basically teach ourselves to become better users of the internet,” Reklai said. “With technology capability today, it is nearly impossible to stop these malicious actors.”
Officials warned that fake posts and cloned websites are often part of larger online scams intended to deceive users into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.
Authorities said scammers frequently use shocking or emotionally charged content to trick users into revealing passwords, financial information or personal data. In some cases, cybercriminals may hijack social media accounts or attempt to extort money from victims and their families.
The public is being advised not to click links from suspicious posts or provide personal information through unverified websites. Officials also encouraged users to pause and verify the source of any alarming online story before sharing it with others.
Cybersecurity experts worldwide have increasingly warned about the rise of AI-generated misinformation, deepfake images and cloned websites that imitate trusted news organizations and public institutions. The incidents in Palau highlight growing concerns about digital literacy and online safety as misinformation tactics become more sophisticated.
Officials urged internet users to always verify website URLs, check whether social media accounts are officially verified and remain cautious when encountering sensational or emotionally provocative content online. (By: L.N. Reklai)
