Deputy Minister of Media: Speed and accuracy of government information are key to countering rumors

Kuwait’s Undersecretary of Media, Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, emphasized the importance of rapidly and accurately conveying government information from its official sources, thereby helping to bridge the gap between the government’s message and the public, and curbing the spread of rumors and misinformation.

This statement came during a panel discussion held today, Thursday, titled “The Public Has Changed… Has Government Communication Changed?” as part of the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai. The session was moderated by journalist Hiba Zahrour and featured a number of specialists and officials in the field of government communication.

Dr. Muhaisen stated that the Government Communication Center in the State of Kuwait represents an integrated system that consolidates government platforms of ministries, agencies, and institutions, facilitating the rapid and accurate dissemination of information through official, verified accounts, official spokespersons, and direct appearances by officials across various media channels.

He added that government communication platforms work to simplify official messages so they reach the public clearly and easily, while also leveraging press conferences, television interviews, and other modern tools to enhance direct engagement with the public.

Dr. Muhaisen stressed the importance of responding swiftly to rumors and not allowing them time to spread, noting that rumors thrive in the presence of a “media vacuum,” which represents a time gap devoid of facts.

He underscored the necessity of filling this vacuum with accurate and clear information, even if not all details are available initially, with the understanding that they can be supplemented later. He emphasized that speed of response must always be coupled with accuracy, transparency, and consideration of the nature of the rumor and its scale of dissemination.

For his part, Dr. Nidal Shqair, Professor of Strategic Communication and Government Relations, said during the session that changes in the public and in how information is consumed have imposed a new reality on government communication. Information now reaches audiences faster, and the public interacts with it immediately through social media and news channels.

Dr. Shqair added that the challenge is no longer limited to delivering information, but extends to building trust amid the proliferation of news stories and narratives and their rapid spread. He pointed out that the advancement of artificial intelligence further highlights the importance of direct interaction with the public as a fundamental element of the communication process.

In his turn, Dr. Zaid Al-Nawaiseh, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, said during the session that the public now expects faster access to news and reliable information, compelling government entities to develop their tools and methods to keep pace with the rapid evolution of social media.

Dr. Al-Nawaiseh explained that government entities face the challenge of balancing the speed of information dissemination with its reliability. He affirmed the need to update government communication tools to reach the widest possible segment of society and deliver information more effectively.