The panel "Combating Disinformation in the Post-Truth Age," held by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2022, addressed the reasons for disinformation and the risks it poses.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev said that a global approach should be adopted in the fight against disinformation or misinformation during the panel at the NEST Convention Center in Belek Tourism Region on the margins of the forum.
Stating that the spread of misinformation occurs not only on social media and in the media, but also in politics, Hajiyev said, "It's critical to gather and convey accurate information as quickly as possible. Silence or ignorance is not enough; we shouldn't say, 'this is a little information, nothing will happen.' It is necessary to respond quickly."
Hajiyev also underlined the necessity for developing a strategy for social media literacy, noting that children, in particular, might be exposed to negativity on social media.
Emphasising how difficult it is to rectify misinformation once it has spread, Hajiyev said, "Disinformation can take different forms such as political, social and economic. During the pandemic, we have seen medical disinformation. There must be a control, regulation in a global context. Otherwise, digital anarchy will continue. Some individuals do disinformation campaigns, and sometimes states support them."
Hajiyev pointed out that disinformation has always existed but has spread further with the development of new technologies and social media.
Stating that all institutions should come together and fight against disinformation, Hajiyev said, "Because it affects society negatively. Some people who are behind the disinformation want to create cracks in societies, cause manipulation, and they do this deliberately. They want to break trust in governments. They want to create cloudy waters. You know, when the water is cloudy, you can fish more easily."
"Türkiye is severely exposed to disinformation"
Head of the Strategic Communication and Crisis Management Department at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Gökhan Yücel stated that as the Directorate, they work to fight against disinformation effectively.
Stating that they work on disinformation with other units such as public diplomacy, strategy, national security, and crisis communication, Yücel said:
"If we do not do our work together with other units, our fight against disinformation will always fail. Therefore, if we do not plan our stories and narratives correctly, other groups, enemies will step in and fill the gaps here. This will cause a national, international or regional security problem."
Yücel stated that technological opportunities offer tremendous opportunities to people, but they should be used correctly.
Emphasising that disinformation is related to national and international security as well as human dignity, Yücel stated that a human-centred approach should be prioritised.
Pointing out that one of the most critical problems Türkiye faces is disinformation, Yücel continued as follows:
"Türkiye is severely exposed to disinformation. We are questioning why it is happening. When we conduct research, we observe what FETO does, what it says, and how it spreads fake news and manipulates the public. How do the PKK and its derivatives and marginal groups also create disinformation and spread fake news? We know that they are trying to attack Türkiye and its people on the internet by this means. So where are they, where are the owners of these accounts? The owners of these social media accounts live in other countries. We want to underline, which, who, and what are these sophisticated, state and non-state actors? The identification of these accounts is complex and difficult. But something is obvious. While talking to our counterparts, we say, 'Look, these groups, these people or these accounts are constantly attacking the Republic of Türkiye and its national interests.' These groups I'm talking about are account holders living in some countries."
Irina Vlah, Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, also mentioned that a democratic solution is possible with mutual respect and a reconciliatory approach.
Stating that disinformation is seen everywhere, Vlah pointed out that disinformation among political parties can reach dangerous levels.
Noting that people's trust in politicians has decreased to a minimum level, Vlah said this situation also reduces trust in state institutions.