Head of Communications Altun: ''Türkiye is waging a relentless struggle to safeguard the truth and to prevent the crises of truth in the face of disinformation.''
During the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Directorate of Communications organised a roundtable meeting under the theme "Combating Disinformation in Global Governance: The Role of G20 and International Cooperation".
In a video message addressing the participants of the meeting, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, noted that we are witnessing radical changes in the communication and media ecosystem due to technological advancements in a rapidly changing world.
Noting that with every stride in technology, we find ourselves facing new challenges that accompany its advantages, Head of Communications Altun highlighted that at the forefront of these pressing issues lies what is commonly known as "information disorder". He also added that this phenomenon occurs when accurate information is enveloped by a sea of content filled with falsehoods, including disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation.
Noting that in an era characterised by the ease of information exchange, accessing accurate information has become increasingly challenging, Head of Communications Altun said, ''We refer to this as the "crisis of truth." The lies have become commonplace, while the truth has been diminished to insignificance.''
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that the main driver behind the worsening crisis of truth is disinformation and its various forms and that disinformation, extending beyond the internal challenges of nations, has emerged as a threat that intensifies issues on the international stage.
Highlighting that disinformation serves as a tool in international relations and crisis zones, inciting polarisation, racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, Head of Communications Altun said, "The genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinians for over a year not only results in the deaths of individuals but also the destruction of the truth, consistently generating disinformation like a lying machine. This is a concise illustration of how disinformation provokes crises and conflicts."
"Truth is at the core of Türkiye's Communication Model"
Head of Communications Altun stated that, from the viewpoint of global governance, disinformation transcends the mere issue of information, eroding the credibility of international organisations and hindering decision-making processes, and also said:
"Türkiye is waging a relentless struggle to safeguard the truth and to prevent the crises of truth in the face of disinformation. Our struggle involves endeavours to reveal the disinformation used to conceal Israel's attacks, not only within national borders but on a global scale. In this context, I would like to point out that we have identified and documented over 250 pieces of disinformation that have originated from Israel in the past year, and we have made this information available to the world public. Truth is at the core of Türkiye's Communication Model, which we implemented under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."
Head of Communications Altun pointed out that addressing the crisis of truth caused by disinformation and ensuring sustainable regional and global peace can only be accomplished through international collaboration.
Underlining that it is essential for platforms such as the G20 to assume a leading role in this endeavour, Head of Communications Altun said, "Collaboration among G20 countries on information sharing, the development of joint policies, and engagement with digital platforms will help reduce the harmful impacts of disinformation."
Head of Communications Altun emphasised Türkiye's readiness for any form of collaboration with G20 countries, including projects focused on enhancing media literacy, creating real-time fact-checking systems, and devising effective strategies to combat disinformation campaigns.