HYDERABAD: Misinformation undermines democracy around the world since there is a broad spectrum of perspectives and no shared understanding of basic facts, noted David Moyer, public affairs officer of the United States Consulate General.
Addressing the inaugural session as the chief guest of a one-day training workshop, 'Countering Disinformation for Urdu Journalists' organised by the department of mass communication and journalism, at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu), in collaboration with its Osmania University counterpart, Moyer stated that it was critical for people to be aware of the misinformation ecosystem and counter it with reliable data and truthful information.
There is a need for changing the nature of media discourse towards positive and factual information on public-interest issues, Moyer stated.
Prof. Ainul Hasan advised the media to aim towards building trust by strengthening digital media literacy and empowering people to identify, critically analyse as well as counter disinformation. “It is also our responsibility to determine whether or not the information provided is correct,” he noted.
He remembered Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India's first education minister, and Maulvi Muhammad Baqir, who played an instrumental part in rallying people for the 1857 Rebellion against the British and was martyred, both of whom used journalism as a weapon during the freedom struggle.
The guest of honour B. Sumathi, DIG (Women Safety), believed that fighting disinformation can be used to promote and protect women’s rights. She stated that disinformation should not be used to intimidate and harass voices of dissent, denigrate opponents, or disrupt legitimate human rights initiatives.
