KUNA to participate in the Fourth International Forum on Disinformation in Moscow
Moscow, 22 Sep (KUNA) -- The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) participated on Tuesday in the fourth edition of the International Forum on Disinformation (Dialogue on Fake News) in Moscow, alongside representatives from news agencies, media institutions, and experts, to discuss strategies for countering disinformation and enhancing public trust in reliable information.
In a speech during the forum’s general session, KUNA’s Acting Director General, Mohammed Al-Munai, stated that “fake news and disinformation have become a global challenge that extends beyond media institutions, affecting the public’s ability to access reliable information and understand events.”
Al-Munai 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 in light of the rapid evolution in content production and distribution technologies.
He noted 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 supportive tool for journalists rather than a substitute for their professional accountability.
Al-Munai highlighted KUNA’s experience in combating disinformation, pointing to 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 counter fake news and disinformation.
He explained that the Observatory monitors circulating news and information, verifies its accuracy, and coordinates with relevant official authorities to clarify facts and respond to misinformation and rumors, thereby promoting 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 efforts to develop journalists’ skills in digital fact-checking, handling synthetic content, and addressing deepfake technologies.
Al-Munai pointed out that countering 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 knowledge exchange among news agencies in the region.
He also emphasized the role of professional organizations and associations in developing media practices, addressing the challenges posed by the digital transformation and the proliferation of misleading content, and enhancing cooperation in digital verification, artificial intelligence, and professional development.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Munai 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 hospitality. 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 other experts, news agency representatives, and participating delegations.
Al-Munai 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 upholding 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, countering fake news, and enhancing the reliability of news content.
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