Rabat: Speaking at a meeting organized by the Ministry-Communication Department under the theme “Combating Fake News: Approaches and Cross-Perspective,” Bensaid stated that Morocco, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is convinced that building a conscious and resilient society requires the establishment of a healthy media environment in which reliable and trustworthy information prevails.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, in the context of the digital revolution, access to reliable information is increasingly under threat. Bensaid noted that “information is no longer merely news; it has become a tool that can be used to sow discord, distort facts, undermine institutions and weaken national resilience.” He emphasized that the media and digital space in Morocco, like in other countries, is undergoing rapid transformations affecting the way information is produced and consumed, as well as traditional models of information production and dissemination.
The rapid spread of information due to the digital revolution disrupts the verification process, increasing the spread of fake news and rumors, which can lead to disinformation and the falsification of facts. In this regard, Bensaid stressed the need for strengthening national public and private media and producing information transparently and timely. He highlighted the importance of supporting investigative journalism specialized in fact-checking, which is considered the first line of defense for the credibility of information.
The meeting reflects the recognition that combating disinformation requires pooling efforts and complementing perspectives across different sectors and fields. Bensaid stressed the importance for young people to shift from passive consumption of information to a more critical and analytical approach. He reviewed the main stages of strengthening freedom of expression and consolidating the role of professional journalism in Morocco. The 2011 Constitution reaffirmed the right to a free, pluralistic, and responsible press, enhancing professional journalism’s role in raising citizens’ awareness.
Morocco continues developing its legal framework governing the press and media professions while strengthening mechanisms to promote the economic model of media companies. Bensaid also stressed that media companies must intensify efforts to bridge the digital divide by guaranteeing the public’s right to information and protecting society from fake news through fact-checking and developing critical thinking.
The ministry is committed to strengthening media literacy through several initiatives, training programs, and educational guides developed by the Higher Institute of Information and Communication. This meeting, which includes various institutional and professional stakeholders and experts in information and digital technologies, is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address phenomena like fake news through a social and sustainable approach based on dialogue, cooperation, and sharing experiences and best practices.