Presidency's Head of Communications Duran stated, “We have reached a point where the digital world requires us to be aware of many issues, especially disinformation. We will not allow ourselves to be directed by algorithms. We will not unknowingly remain under the domination of digital tutelage. We will produce data."
The Presidency's Directorate of Communications hosted the “National Youth Summit on Combating Disinformation” with the participation of Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak.
The event, held at the Directorate of Communications, brought together students from across Türkiye who are members of Clubs for Combating Disinformation.
Following a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, Head of Communications Duran began his opening remarks by congratulating participants on the occasion of 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
Referring to the historical dimension of the struggle between truth and falsehood, Head of Communications Duran stated that humanity is now confronted with a new reality in this era.
Drawing attention to the evolution of disinformation over time, Head of Communications Duran recalled that fabricated footage had also been broadcast during the Gulf War in 1991.
Emphasising that the methods once used to combat earlier forms of disinformation have now become outdated, Head of Communications Duran addressed the youth as follows:
“Today, AI-generated images and pieces of information presented as ‘truth’ have become so deeply intertwined with reality itself that, although I believe you young people are far more equipped in this regard, we have nevertheless entered a period that requires extremely careful attention. Because disinformation is not merely false information. The digital world has a significant influence on shaping our perceptions of society, the state, and the world. I would go even further and say that it also shapes our perception of ourselves and our very sense of identity. What we are witnessing is, in fact, a form of tutelage exercised by major corporations through algorithms."
Head of Communications Duran stressed the importance of building resilience against disinformation and perception management operations.
“Elections in countries are being interfered with”
Highlighting that social media can even be used to interfere in countries’ elections, Head of Communications Duran stated that platforms initially presented as spaces of freedom could also serve as operational tools directed against societies.
Noting that “we are witnessing either a decline in the influence of states or, alongside states, the growing power of major technology companies,” Head of Communications Duran continued:
“These are not merely technology companies. By publishing various manifestos, they openly reveal how they seek to shape the world and its future. When viewed from this perspective, it becomes clear that, in the age we live in, we are highly vulnerable in the digital sphere to hatred, radicalisation, social polarisation, manipulation, and psychological conditioning.
Therefore, we must assume that technology companies that possess data may be pursuing agendas that are far from innocent. We now need to focus much more strongly on issues such as transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. This Summit, together with all of you, seeks to advance precisely this effort and further strengthen this awareness.”
Head of Communications, Duran, also underlined that algorithms are not neutral and spoke about the forms of manipulation carried out through social media.
"Digital literacy is no longer merely about being able to use technology."
Burhanettin Duran stated, “Digital literacy is no longer merely a matter of technology; it is far more than that. It is about verifying information, questioning sources, recognising algorithmic manipulation, identifying psychological manipulation, and combating digital addiction.”
Underscoring the importance of young people developing their capabilities in this field, Head of Communications Duran warned that otherwise they could fall under the influence of AI-generated fake videos, voice synthesis systems, and various manipulative visual materials.
Recalling periods such as the pandemic and the Gezi Park events, during which disinformation was deliberately disseminated, Head of Communications Duran stated:
“We must understand this world well and prepare ourselves accordingly. Earlier, I mentioned that certain companies publish manifestos. Palantir Technologies is one such example. They stated quite openly: ‘This is not merely a competition in technology; it is a matter of geopolitical superiority.’ When we look more closely at what lies beneath such statements, we see the pursuit of one civilisation seeking dominance over others. From this perspective, we have reached a point where the virtual and digital world requires us to be aware of many issues, especially disinformation. We will not allow ourselves to be directed by algorithms. We will not unknowingly remain under the domination of digital tutelage. We will produce data. We will collect the data we produce ourselves. We ourselves will conduct the analyses and, through our own values, generate data and content for the digital sphere. Indeed, we are already doing so, and we will do it more powerfully and more effectively.”
Head of Communications Duran stated that the primary arena of struggle in the future would no longer be land, sea, or air, but rather the virtual and digital domain.
Speaking about concerns that certain human abilities may be lost in the age of artificial intelligence, Head of Communications Duran noted that such concerns could be overcome by remaining committed to certain conventional practices, such as reading printed books.
“We Detect Disinformation Using Artificial Intelligence”
In his remarks, Burhanettin Duran also touched upon the activities carried out by the Directorate of Communications, stating that during the 6 February earthquakes and throughout Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the posts shared by the Centre for Combating Disinformation provided the public with accurate information and the truth.
Head of Communications Duran stated:
“We are now also using artificial intelligence to detect disinformation generated through artificial intelligence. We continue these efforts through CIMER and the disinformation reporting service. Within this framework, 102 Clubs for Combating Disinformation have been established at universities across 74 provinces and are actively carrying out activities. We are supporting these efforts. This distinguished community here today is a pioneering one that is fully aware of the digital world and conscious of its implications.”
The Summit continued with panel sessions following the opening remarks delivered by Head of Communications Duran and Minister Osman Aşkın Bak.
Meanwhile, Head of Communications Duran also shared a post on his NSosyal account regarding the National Youth Summit on Combating Disinformation.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran said:
“Today, at the National Youth Summit on Combating Disinformation organised by our Directorate, we held comprehensive discussions on the new threats emerging in the digital age, the societal impact of disinformation, and the critical role our youth will play in this process.
Disinformation is no longer just a matter of false information. In the digital age, information itself has evolved into a strategic instrument capable of influencing the psychology of societies, political processes, economic balances, and social relations.
AI-generated fake content, deepfake technologies, manipulative visuals, and algorithmic steering are increasingly blurring the line between truth and fabrication.
Digital literacy today no longer simply means being able to use technology; it means being able to verify information, question sources, recognise psychological manipulation, and think critically.
As Türkiye, we have faced numerous systematic disinformation attacks from the past to the present. From the Gezi Park incidents to the treacherous coup attempt on 15 July, and from natural disasters to international crises, we have closely witnessed the societal impact of information manipulation across many critical periods.
Our Centre for Combating Disinformation, operating under the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, continues its efforts to provide the public with accurate information in a rapid and effective manner.
Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye will continue its efforts with determination to build a digital communication ecosystem grounded in truth and trust.
On this occasion, I wish the National Youth Summit on Combating Disinformation every success. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all our guests, particularly our Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Osman Aşkın Bak, who honoured our programme with his presence, as well as to all participants who contributed and to our esteemed young people.”
