Media Misinformation Center Calls for Responsible Discourse

Isa Al-Shaiji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Combating Media Misinformation (ICCMD), affirmed that confronting misleading news and divisive rhetoric is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among media institutions, journalists, writers, and content creators, as well as the promotion of accuracy and respect in coverage of countries, their leaders, and their peoples. Al-Shaiji stated that the bonds between Gulf peoples deserve discourse that preserves and strengthens them. The responsibility of speech begins with verifying information, understanding its context, and recognizing the impact of its dissemination, particularly when fragmented news or unproven claims are used to stir up disputes and offend others. He stressed the necessity of referring to original and reliable sources, examining images and videos before resharing them, and not considering virality or high engagement as evidence of content accuracy. He also called for clearly correcting errors, avoiding generalizations about peoples, and refraining from attributing the positions of individuals or accounts to entire populations. He added: “We emphasize the importance of responsible criticism and the right to differ, while adhering to the truth and respecting people’s dignity. Media literacy protects the public from being drawn into provocation and helps them distinguish between opinion, fact, and claims that require evidence.” Al-Shaiji called for enhancing cooperation between media institutions and fact-checking entities, and for promoting a culture of verification before sharing, affirming that prioritizing accuracy over sensationalism, and fostering dialogue and mutual respect, contribute to protecting trust and safeguarding fraternal ties and shared interests. He also urged the adoption of responsible media discourse and the entrenchment of a sense of responsibility, especially in light of the delicate and sensitive circumstances currently affecting the region in particular and our Arab countries in general, which require strengthening cohesion and solidarity. He said that the International Center monitors social media platforms during this period for opinions, stances, and news, some of which lack a responsible spirit and have no connection to the truth, stressing the need to raise public awareness about such matters, which could harm the cohesion and unity of the Gulf and Arab home. He called for avoiding being swept up in all the rumors and misleading campaigns circulated on social media, emphasizing the necessity of exercising awareness when addressing these issues in all their dimensions and objectives.