KUNA participates in the 4th International Forum "Dialogue on Fake News" in Moscow
The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) participated in the Fourth International Forum on “Dialogue on Fake News” in Moscow, alongside representatives from news agencies, media institutions, and experts, to discuss ways to combat disinformation and enhance trust in reliable information.
In a speech during the forum’s general session, KUNA’s Acting Director General, Mohammed Al-Manai, stated that “fake news and disinformation have become a global challenge that transcends media institutions and affects the public’s ability to access reliable information and understand events.”
Al-Manai emphasized that credibility remains the cornerstone of journalistic work, stressing the need to balance the speed of publication with the accuracy of verification, and to adhere to multi-sourcing, objectivity, and professional responsibility, particularly amid the rapid advancement in content production and distribution technologies.
He explained that artificial intelligence offers extensive opportunities in research, data analysis, translation, and media production; however, it has also enabled advanced capabilities for creating synthetic content and deepfakes. He underscored the importance of using AI responsibly as a supporting tool for journalists, rather than a substitute for their professional responsibility.
Al-Manai highlighted KUNA’s experience in countering disinformation, noting the launch of the “KUNA Observatory for Fact-Checking and Countering Rumors” in October 2024 as one of the tools adopted by the agency to enhance credibility and combat fake news and disinformation.
He said the Observatory works to monitor circulating news and information, verify its accuracy, and coordinate with relevant official authorities to clarify facts and respond to false news and rumors, thereby enhancing access to accurate information and curbing the spread of disinformation.
He added that the Observatory’s significance lies in its proactive approach, based on early monitoring, verification, and professional response, alongside developing journalists’ skills in digital fact-checking, handling synthetic content, and deepfake technologies.
Al-Manai pointed out that combating fake news requires strengthening international cooperation and exchanging experiences among news agencies, highlighting the importance of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) as a professional framework for cooperation and experience-sharing among news agencies in the region.
He noted the importance of professional organizations and associations in developing media practices and addressing the challenges posed by the digital transformation and the proliferation of misleading content, as well as enhancing cooperation in digital verification, artificial intelligence, and professional development.
In conclusion, Al-Manai expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for his attendance and participation in the forum’s proceedings, and to Andrei Kondrashov, Director General of the Russian News Agency (TASS) and President of OANA, for the excellent organization and hosting. He also commended the contributions of the speakers and participants, including Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, and Vladimir Tabak, President of the Global Verification Network, along with experts, news agency representatives, and participating delegations.
Al-Manai reaffirmed that protecting the truth and enhancing public trust in reliable information is a shared responsibility, and that keeping pace with technological transformations must go hand in hand with adhering to professional standards and the core values of media work.
The Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), established in 1961, is one of the most prominent media platforms and a key professional channel for exchanging experiences and practices in information verification, combating fake news, and enhancing the reliability of news content.
