International Center for Combating Media Disinformation Calls for Responsible Media Discourse
Mr. Issa Al-Shayji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Combating Media Disinformation (ICCMD), emphasized that countering misleading news and rhetoric that incites division is a shared responsibility. It requires cooperation among media organizations, journalists, writers, and content creators, alongside a commitment to accuracy and respect when discussing countries, their leaders, and their peoples.
Al-Shayji stated:
“The bonds between the peoples of the Gulf deserve discourse that preserves and strengthens them. Responsible communication begins with verifying information, understanding its context, and recognizing the impact of sharing it, particularly when news taken out of context or unsubstantiated claims are used to provoke disputes and offend others.”
He stressed the need to consult original, reliable sources, verify images and videos before sharing them, and avoid treating widespread circulation or high engagement as evidence of accuracy. He also called for errors to be corrected clearly and urged people to avoid generalizing about entire populations or holding them responsible for the views of individuals or social media accounts.
He added:
“We affirm the importance of responsible criticism and the right to disagree, while remaining committed to the truth and respecting human dignity. Media literacy protects the public from being drawn into provocation and helps people distinguish between opinion, information, and claims that require evidence.”
Al-Shayji called for stronger cooperation between news organizations and fact-checking bodies, and for a culture of verification before sharing. He emphasized that prioritizing accuracy over sensationalism and promoting dialogue and mutual respect help safeguard trust, preserve brotherly ties, and protect shared interests.
He also called for responsible media discourse and a stronger sense of responsibility, particularly during the sensitive and critical circumstances facing the region in particular and our Arab countries more broadly, which require greater cohesion and solidarity.
He stated that the International Center is monitoring the opinions, positions, and news circulating on social media during this period, some of which lack responsibility and have no basis in truth. He stressed the need to raise public awareness of such matters, which could undermine the cohesion and unity of the Gulf and Arab communities.
He urged the public to avoid being drawn into rumors and disinformation campaigns circulating on social media, emphasizing the importance of approaching these issues with an awareness of their full dimensions and objectives.
