UAE should be on guard to counter misinformation created by digital warfare, say speakers at third session of Emirati Media Forum

DUBAI, 5th November 2015 (WAM) --- Speakers at the third session of the third Emirati Media Forum being organised by the Dubai Press Club said that the UAE should guard itself against groups engaged in spreading misinformation through digital channels by responding prudently and practically to such misinformation. The third session of the Emirati Media Forum, held in Dubai yesterday under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focused on the topic of ‘digital warfare’. The session, moderated by Chief Editor of Al Ittihad newspaper Mohammed Al Hammadi, featured prominent UAE thought leaders including leading commentator on Arab affairs Sheikh Sultan Saud Al Qasimi; Director General of Watani UAE Dherar Belhoul; and Vice Chancellor of UAE University Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi. Sultan Saud Al Qasimi said that the proliferation of social media and multiple digital channels has given rise to ‘digital warfare’ where groups engage in spreading information to defame countries. The UAE should guard itself against such attacks. He further said that the last two to three years have seen the emergence of groups that are highly professional in defaming countries. Rumours can be spread that can have a negative impact on the economies of countries. Al Qasimi pointed out that we need to strengthen ourselves against wrongdoing by groups spreading misinformation against the country. We need to be ready with responses to accusations, not only by expressing one’s love for the country, but by responding in a prudent and practical way. Supporting Al Qasimi’s point of view, Dharar Belhoul said we need to provide evidence to counter misinformation. When we provide evidence, we become stronger, he said. He further said that the spread of social media has put conventional media in a difficult position. However, traditional media in the UAE have been more advanced compared to many other countries in being able to keep pace with social media’s advance. The Yemen war was a field where the interplay between information from various conventional and digital media and the challenges associated with it were thoroughly tested, he said. However, he stressed that there is a strong relationship between traditional and digital media, and suggested that traditional and digital media cooperate with each other to "fill in the gaps." Ali Al Nuaimi echoed these views saying we should not respond to misinformation out of emotions but with facts. We should not use wrong language in responding to those who are waging an information war against us. We should provide evidence against those rumours, he said. Speaking about the role of media, he said all media professionals should be aware that their jobs has become everyone’s job. Audiences don’t wait for news, they receive the news from many channels instantly. They have the opportunity to contribute and redraft the news. Speaking about instances of misinformation spread by enemies about the UAE’s role in the Yemen war, he said many Emiratis rose to the occasion and defended the UAE’s position. . – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395287565608.html