According to AZERTAC, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at the 2nd Communications Council in Ankara, stated: “Combating all forms of disinformation is a matter of national security, the protection of democracy, and the maintenance of social peace. In today’s world, disinformation has gone beyond the spread of fake news and has transformed into an asymmetrical threat that weakens unity and trust in society. Combating this problem is of vital importance to our country.”
Speaking at the event held under the theme “The Century of Türkiye: Century of Communication,” President Erdoğan stated that new media tools and digital platforms have significantly accelerated the production and dissemination of information, saying, “Tasks that used to take hours, days, or even weeks can now be accomplished in minutes with a single computer command. This process has been further accelerated thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence models.”
President Erdoğan stated today that information technologies influence the way we think and the way we approach events and processes, adding:
”For example, social media platforms often determine how much interest we show in a particular subject, how we approach issues, and often how we react. People are confronted with distorted perceptions not only of the present, but also of the past. A soulless and superficial identity emerges.”
Erdoğan stated that the new information environment affects both individuals and society through its psychological and social consequences, and poses a risk of eroding values and culture, noting, “The gap between reality and perceptions is growing. People are in the grip of so-called ‘algorithmic fascism.’ Undoubtedly, the truth suffers the greatest harm.”
President Erdoğan also pointed out that the modern communication environment, characterised by disinformation and manipulation, has given information an entirely new character, saying, “We will not allow those who try to profit from tension, polarisation, and the spread of fear and anxiety in the country to use their resources as a weapon against the state.”
Erdoğan emphasised that comprehensive assessments to determine a new roadmap for Türkiye’s communications ecosystem in a changing world have long been needed.
The Turkish leader noted that today, it is more important than ever to comprehensively assess every aspect—from the impact of modern communication trends on public diplomacy and the use of artificial intelligence to countering disinformation, news production, strengthening the legal framework, and developing digital platforms. He added, “I hope that the conclusions reached by the participants, the reports they will prepare and the final document to be published on 29 July will contribute to shaping the vision for the future and strengthening Türkiye’s potential and standing.”