Baku: Disinformation has been highlighted as one of the serious threats on the global agenda, as stated by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, during a conference on "Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy," APA reports. Addressing the audience, Ismayilov emphasized the responsibility that comes with the rich historical heritage of the national press in the modern digital era.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Ismayilov outlined the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of the digital media environment, where the efficiency of information often surpasses its accuracy. The increased influence of social media platforms on public opinion has transformed information exchange into a process requiring collective responsibility. He underscored the priority of safeguarding the accuracy, objectivity, and public benefit of information, irrespective of its source, amid global information threats and new realities.
Ismayilov highlighted the importance of protecting the country's information environment and ensuring citizens' access to accurate, reliable, and objective information. He pointed out that enhancing media literacy among the population by providing complete and responsible information of public importance acts as a crucial mechanism. This initiative is particularly vital in the current stage of rapid artificial intelligence development, where promoting accurate information and adhering to ethical norms are strategically significant.
Strengthening media literacy is not solely the responsibility of professional journalists but is also a collective duty of the broad audience consuming this information. Ismayilov emphasized that the ability to critically evaluate the source and purpose of information is a key factor in sustaining modern society. He identified increasing media literacy and implementing systematic educational activities related to media content evaluation as priorities in combating disinformation.
The conference also highlighted the institutional steps taken to enhance media literacy, such as the first legal definition of media literacy in the Law "On Media," which came into effect in 2022. The law entrusts the Media Development Agency with implementing state measures in this area, marking significant progress in addressing disinformation threats on the global stage.