Asia-Pacific News Agencies Collaborate to Combat Disinformation
Leading news agencies in the Asia-Pacific region have come together to address the issue of disinformation and fake news. During the 51st Asia-Pacific News Agencies Association (OANA) Conference hosted by Anadolu in Istanbul, representatives from various news agencies highlighted the importance of collaboration and joint efforts in combating this growing problem.
Vugar Aliyev, the chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), emphasized the need to tackle disinformation collectively. He stated that disinformation and fake news are weapons used to manipulate and harm society. Aliyev shared his experience of combatting fake news during the Karabakh War, emphasizing the serious consequences that misinformation can have, particularly when spread through social media. He called for the establishment of anti-disinformation center teams to reach wider audiences and raise awareness about the dangers of fake news.
Moriyasu Chikazawa, the managing director of Kyodo News Agency’s International Department, discussed the challenges faced in Japan during the COVID-19 outbreak. He highlighted that misleading news spread rapidly, and research conducted by the Communications Ministry revealed that a significant portion of the public believed in such misleading content. Chikazawa stressed the importance of news agencies strengthening the dissemination of accurate information through social media platforms, as young people tend to access information primarily through these channels. He also noted the potential threat of artificial intelligence in producing fake photos and videos to further spread disinformation.
Mikhail Gusman, the first deputy director general of TASS News Agency, emphasized the significance of training employees to combat disinformation. He mentioned the importance of organizing experience-sharing programs and collaborating with other news agencies to find solutions. Gusman stated that TASS is always ready to share their expertise and support mutual collaboration.
The conference served as a platform to exchange ideas and strategies in the fight against disinformation. News agencies from across the Asia-Pacific region recognized the need for joint efforts to tackle this issue effectively. Combating fake news requires a combination of technological advancements, media literacy initiatives, and responsible journalism. By working together, news agencies aim to promote accurate information, preserve the integrity of news, and safeguard society against the harmful effects of disinformation.
Overall, the conference highlighted the commitment of news agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to combat disinformation. Collaboration, training, and the utilization of new platforms and technologies are crucial in this endeavor. By joining forces, news agencies can effectively counter the spread of fake news and ensure the public has access to reliable and trustworthy information.
