Azerbaijani officials address disinformation challenges at media conference

At a conference titled “New trends in modern media: Information security and criteria of professionalism,” key Azerbaijani officials underscored the escalating threat of disinformation directed at the country, particularly in the wake of the nation’s recent achievements.

Elmir Valizade, Head of the digital media sector of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, emphasized that the simplification of information dissemination has made it increasingly susceptible to manipulation, Caliber.Az reports.

He noted that certain media outlets have taken to spreading deliberate falsehoods about Azerbaijan, a trend that has intensified following the country’s significant victories.

Valizade cited President Ilham Aliyev's remarks at the inaugural session of the 7th Milli Majlis, where he stressed the imperative of safeguarding information security.

“Azerbaijan not only plays a vital role in regional matters but also contributes to global challenges,” he stated. He called for concerted efforts to combat disinformation, particularly with the upcoming COP29 on the horizon, asserting that it is crucial to protect Azerbaijan’s image and integrity.

In a related discussion, Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Press Council of Azerbaijan, praised the proactive stance of Azerbaijani media in addressing these disinformation campaigns. Speaking at the same conference, Majid highlighted the media’s effective response and noted the success of the MediaLab initiative—a collaborative effort between the Media Development Agency and Azerbaijan Television—designed to enhance the capacity of journalists in tackling misinformation.

He expressed confidence in the media's ability to uphold professionalism while countering false narratives, reinforcing the importance of a responsible press in today’s complex information landscape.

By Vafa Guliyeva