Erdoğan: Digital fascism poses threat to democracy and freedoms

“Türkiye's Communication Model is the result of our pursuit of this objective. The purpose of this model is to defend and implement a conception of communication within the circle of truth that draws strength from democracy and international law,” Erdoğan said in his message.

Erdoğan congratulated all the institutions and organisations that contributed to the organization of the Summit, wished for the Summit, organized under the theme “Strategic Communication in an Age of Uncertainty”, to lead to auspicious results and welcomed the guests who participated in the Summit from different countries.

Pointing out that our communication tools and news sources are undergoing significant transformations as a result of digitalization, Erdoğan stated that, as with any innovation, this change in the field of communication presents both risks and opportunities.

Stating that, especially due to the growing influence of social media on our daily lives, we are forced to deal with issues that we have never faced before, Erdoğan said: “Information pollution and disinformation are the two most prominent challenges of the present era. Lies, slanders, and distorted news have a negative effect on the lives of countless individuals in many countries around the world, including Türkiye. Accusations made without a thorough investigation can sometimes cause irreparable damage. While digital bullies pose a threat to vulnerable segments of society, particularly children, digital fascism poses a threat to democracy and freedoms, and digital terrorism threatens state security.”

Emphasising that digital platforms are increasingly being used as a component of “psychological operations” in the context of tension and competition between states, Erdoğan said:

“Due to its strategic location, unique policies, and principled stance on regional and global issues, Türkiye is one of the countries in the world that is most exposed to fabricated and intentional fake news. This striking fact has been repeatedly revealed by the hypocrisies encountered during the rightful struggle we are waging against the bloodthirsty terrorist organizations, particularly DAESH, FETO, and PKK. Recently, as we have seen, the language used in some international media outlets’ news reports following the terrorist attack on İstiklal Street has almost played into the hands of the perpetrators. We have stated at every opportunity and on every platform that such approaches, which seek to settle accounts with Türkiye rather than provide objective reporting, should now be abandoned.”

“We view strategic communication as an essential instrument for fostering international cooperation”

Erdoğan continued as follows: “We need a new, truth-oriented communication approach that prioritises people's right to receive information. The 'Türkiye's Communication Model' is the result of our pursuit of this objective. The purpose of this model is to defend and implement a conception of communication within the circle of truth that draws strength from democracy and international law. In fact, with the regulation that went into effect in October, we have taken steps to protect the freedom of our citizens to receive accurate and unbiased news. We have once again demonstrated that, despite the fact that lies and distortions pose a threat to communication channels, we will not compromise our perspective of accurate and transparent communication. With each incident, we have seen how timely and accurate this step has been. We also view strategic communication as an essential instrument for fostering international cooperation.”

Wishing that the Second International Strategic Communication Summit would provide a breath of fresh air to the communication ecosystem by serving as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, Erdoğan congratulated those who contributed to the Summit's organization. (ILKHA)