Jordan Modernizes Communication System to Combat Misinformation

Jordan’s Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson, Mohammed Al-Momani, shared that the ministry is creating a modern national communication system aimed at boosting transparency, strengthening public trust, and delivering accurate, timely, and responsible information, while also promoting positive and constructive content.

Al-Momani Raises the Alarm on Growing Digital Threats

Speaking at the iCON Content and Media Summit last Wednesday in Amman, Minister Mohammed Al-Momani announced a new phase of Jordan’s strategy to enhance information transparency and accuracy through a modern national communication system. The Official emphasized that the growing challenges in the digital sphere, ranging from misinformation and privacy violations to hate speech, are shared responsibilities that require collective action.

The Minister noted that technological advancements have accelerated the spread of information, while the expansion of digital platforms has amplified hate speech online. He also highlighted the significant influence of algorithms on content and the increasing risks posed by the unregulated artificial intelligence.

Amid these challenges, and alongside the ministry’s efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in digital media and advanced technology, Al-Momani stressed that no single government or sector can address these issues alone. Instead, the Minister called for close collaboration between distinct actors in the digital sphere, including governments, media institutions, technology companies, content creators, and civil society, in order to ensure a safe, responsible, and respectful digital space.

News reports indicate that the Jordanian Minister confirmed that media regulatory authorities will take action against those spreading misleading information about the recent security campaign in Ar-Ramtha, which targeted the arrest of outlawed individuals as part of the “Takfiri Thought Campaign.”

Al-Momani added that the authorities had already contacted some of the users to correct the misleading content, and warned that legal measures would follow if the content was not corrected.

This follows a raid by Jordanian security forces in Ar-Ramtha, northern Jordan, on November 26, an area known as a transit point for refugees and displaced people. 

According to the Jordanian Security Directorate, a special unit targeted two brothers wanted in extremist-related investigations. The authorities confirmed that both suspects were killed after barricading themselves inside the site and using their mother as a human shield. However, security forces were able to safely remove the mother without causing her harm.

The Public Security Directorate added that the site was thoroughly searched, and several firearms and ammunition were seized.

Jordan Steps Up Media Collaboration to Tackle Misinformation

In October, Jordanian news outlets highlighted the strong ties between Jordan and Syria and the importance of deepening media cooperation, particularly to combat misinformation and exchange expertise.

During a meeting at the Ministry of Government Communication in Amman with a delegation from the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), following the signing of a media cooperation agreement between SANA and the Petra News Agency, Minister Al-Momani described the agreement as a milestone for Arab media collaboration. He noted it fosters professional communication and the exchange of expertise in media, technical, and technological fields.

Al-Momani emphasized that Jordan-Syria cooperation is essential in countering misinformation, with media awareness serving as the first line of defense against rumors and targeted content. The Jordanian Ministry also emphasized the importance of Arab media partnerships to curb misinformation, build public trust, and strengthen the international presence of Arab media.

Fairouz Mubaideen, Director General of the Jordan News Agency (Petra), highlighted that the agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in media and technical training, exchanging news and journalistic materials, and jointly combating misinformation. She described it as a reflection of Arab integration and a step toward greater professionalism and objectivity in journalism.

Jordan Positions Itself as a Regional Leader in Media and Information Literacy

Last year, the Jordan News Agency (Petra) positioned Jordan as a leading actor in the region in Media and Information Literacy (MIL), a key initiative in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.

Ahead of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week conference in 2024, the Ministry of Government Communication highlighted the country’s pioneering role and stressed the need for coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the event’s success.

Jordan hosted the Global MIL Week 2024 Feature Conference, co-organized with UNESCO, on October 30–31 in Amman. The event focused on the impact of emerging digital frontiers, including Generative AI, on information and communication.

The Ministry emphasized that Jordan’s role as host underscores its commitment to tackling global media challenges and setting a benchmark for excellence in regional media practices.

Read More

Meta Replaces Fact-Checkers with Community Notes Amid Backlash from Experts and Politicians

European Commission: Meta Misled Users With Its Pay-To-Avoid-Ads Model