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Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, warned that fake news has become one of the biggest threats in the digital age, calling for joint efforts to protect the public’s right to reliable information.
Speaking during a session focused on fighting misinformation, Bensaid said that false news is no longer a simple technical mistake. Instead, it is a serious danger that can spread confusion, distort facts, weaken trust in institutions, and harm social stability. He stated that the right to access accurate information, guaranteed by Morocco’s Constitution, is a key pillar of democracy and sustainable development.
“While the digital revolution has allowed a form of democratized access to information, albeit in a chaotic way that often defies professional media standards, it has also imposed multiple challenges,” the minister said. He explained that the pressure to publish news quickly, especially on social media, often comes at the expense of verification, leading to the spread of rumors and misleading content.
Bensaid underlined that fighting fake news cannot be done by one actor alone. He explained that success requires cooperation between public institutions, professional media, civil society, researchers, and digital platforms. According to him, the best response to false information is clear, fast, and trustworthy communication.
He also highlighted the central role of “professional journalism,” especially investigative journalism and fact-checking. Supporting credible media outlets, both public and private, is essential to ensure transparency and protect the credibility of news. He added that Morocco continues to strengthen its legal and institutional framework to protect press freedom and promote responsible journalism, in line with the principles of the 2011 Constitution.
In addition, the minister spoke about the importance of media education, especially for young people. He said the goal is to turn youth from passive consumers of information into critical thinkers with strong digital awareness. To achieve this, the ministry is supporting training programs, academic initiatives, and awareness campaigns, including those led by the Higher Institute of Information and Communication.
Bensaid concluded by saying that media outlets today must make extra efforts to close the digital gap, guarantee citizens’ right to accurate news, and protect society from the dangers of fake news, which he described as a cultural and social threat to shared values and collective memory.
