• Home
• /
• UAE

World faces pandemic of fake news and hate speech: Egyptian Prime Minister

Dubai - Dr. Mostafa Madbouly delivered virtual keynote address at 19th edition of Arab Media Forum

The Arab region and the rest of the world are faced with a “pandemic of misinformation, fake news and hate speech” that needs to be combated through the community’s collective efforts, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly said in his keynote address at the Arab Media Forum (AMF).

The AMF, which kicked off on Wednesday, was held virtually for the first time and was attended remotely by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Madbouly said social media has played a substantial role in the spread of misinformation and fake news, with some media organisations also contributing to the widespread phenomena, intentionally or unintentionally.

“Combating this kind of pandemic requires a collective effort to disseminate accurate facts. It also requires an enhancement of the overall media system.”

The Egyptian prime minister spoke about the role of media in building modern societies and creating a better future. He highlighted the key role played by the media in protecting a nation and combating the dangers and threats they face, both internally and externally. He also said the world has become a small ‘electronic village’ as a result of the information and communication revolution and the media has played an influential role in the political process and the relationship between states and their societies.

Madbouly underscored the role of media in combating key challenges facing the region including terrorism and extremism and shared examples of how the media in Egypt has addressed several challenges facing the country and debunked rumours and fake news related to these issues. He praised the media for their efforts to highlight the dangers of terrorism and protect youth from harmful influences.

Highlighting the important role of media in combating extremist ideologies by promoting a moderate ideology, Madbouly said the current digital revolution has given it more opportunities to expand their role while also widening their reach.

Opportunities and Challenges

Madbouly also touched on the opportunities and challenges brought about by technological developments and the misuse of technologies. Many terrorist groups, he said, have exploited digital media platforms to promote their discourses. It is crucial to combat these groups and their malicious objectives, which aim to undermine the safety, stability and progress of nations.

“Human creativity and innovation are crucial pillars in achieving excellence in the industry,” Madbouly said.

Concluding his speech, he shared his perspective on the media’s responsibilities in the next phase, including developing programmes targeted at the youth that explain the importance of patriotism. The media, he said, must promote positivity and raise awareness on the importance of knowledge and education among the youth. Media organisations need to keep pace with technological advancements and use them for the benefit of Arab citizens.