(Ecofin Agency) – With the acceleration of digital transformation, countries are faced with various problems, including that of disinformation. Measures are being taken by some to combat this phenomenon with its highly damaging potential.
15 of the 16 countries of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), including 5 African countries (Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda, Gambia, Nigeria) have launched a multilateral initiative aimed at strengthening the integrity of online content. The announcement was made at the UN Internet Governance Forum which runs until Thursday, December 19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Led and sponsored by Kuwait, the initiative aims to combat disinformation while promoting respect for social and cultural diversity. It provides for mediation and coordination actions involving governments, businesses, international organizations and civil societies, in order to create a more transparent and reliable digital environment.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of growing Internet and ICT adoption in Africa. In 10 years, the rate of Internet use has more than doubled on the continent, going from 16% in 2013 to 37% in 2023 according to data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The number of social media users reached 387 million in 2022, according to Statista figures published in January 2024.
The creation of a ministerial committee is planned to oversee the implementation of the initiative.
Adonis Conrad Quenus
Edited by: Feriol Bewa
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