The Samoa Observer has reported to Meta, the parent company of Facebook about the unauthorised use of its copyrighted logo by a page calling itself Apex Drive Malaysia.

This page through sponsored content has used the Samoa Observer logo to spread fake news including the death of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and former Head of State Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi.

The page aims to drive hits on the sponsored page and lead people who click on the fake news to another page.

Samoa Observer’s Editorial Board would like to advise that its news and other content on Facebook is under the Samoa Observer’s name and does not use other companies to sponsor its pages.

The thousands of Samoans who access Samoa Observer through Facebook and get notifications are asked to recognise the logo and know that the genuine web address at the bottom of the updates is in capital letters.

The Editorial Board condemns such practices of identity theft and the spread of fake news.

The Samoa Observer continues to work without fear or favour in providing factual and accurate information.