Fifteen member countries of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), including Morocco, have launched a multi-party initiative aimed at enhancing the integrity of online content. The announcement came during the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia from December 15 to 19.
The initiative was formally introduced on the sidelines of the forum by Amlah al-Falah al-Saghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, who participated in a ministerial dialogue on fake news organized by the DCO.
In her speech, al-Saghrouchni emphasized the growing challenges posed by fake news in the digital age and its potential negative impact on society. She stated that Morocco is committed to ensuring a healthy digital environment that safeguards the privacy and rights of its citizens. She also called for greater international cooperation and sharing of best practices to address the issue.
The DCO, headquartered in Riyadh, organized the forum under the theme “Ministerial Dialogue on Fake News: Towards Adopting a Unified Path Forward.” Ministers from member countries attended the event, which also featured the launch of the “Online Content Integrity” initiative. Countries signing a joint declaration included Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Rwanda.
Kuwait is leading the initiative, which aims to combat misinformation through coordinated efforts between governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The initiative also seeks to promote respect for cultural diversity and strengthen trust in cyberspace.
The declaration also called for establishing a “High-Level Ministerial Committee” to oversee the implementation of the initiative. Countries affirmed their commitment to fostering an inclusive and secure digital economy.
Dima Al-Yahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, pointed out that surveys show over 59% of people in 46 countries are concerned about the difficulty of distinguishing real from fake content online. She stressed that misinformation is now a “digital pandemic” that threatens global stability and could disrupt elections in several countries over the next two years.
The forum, expected to attract over 10,000 participants from 170 countries, will feature 300 specialized sessions and workshops focusing on internet governance, digital challenges, and international collaboration.
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