Fahrettin Altun
Director of Communications of the Republic of Turkey
The era in which we live not only offers new opportunities for humanity, but also brings with it serious challenges. At a time when it is difficult to keep pace with the speed of information production and circulation, the communication ecosystem is undergoing a process of radical transformation. However, this transformation process includes not only positive developments, but also moral, cultural and humanitarian challenges.
Artificial intelligence and algorithms, which have become an element of everyday life in this flamboyant and challenging period in which technology is rapidly evolving, are no longer just tools, but have become actors that redefine the balance of power. In today’s world, where the line between truth and lies is becoming increasingly blurred and humanity is facing uncertainties that can also be called “crisis of truth”, we are faced with great challenges and we know that the only way to overcome these problems is to develop effective communication strategies.
Our priority must be to analyze and effectively manage the opportunities and threats of the communication ecosystem transformed by technology for the benefit of society. Advances are changing societies’ habits in the field of communication, and digital media figure as an important part of our lives. The most striking aspect of this change is the impact of artificial intelligence on communication processes.
Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly transforming our world and all sectors. Today, artificial intelligence stands before us as a force that will change the rules of strategic communication. The possibilities it offers in areas such as data analysis, content production and crisis management provide a speed and efficiency that could not even be imagined a few years ago. Ideas that only a short time ago could only be imagined in science fiction movies are now easily accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, this positive progress in technology has the potential to become a digital weapon when not used for the proper purposes.
Artificial intelligence, capable of producing deep-fakes, makes original content indistinguishable from false content, damages the trust of societies and deepens the crisis of truth. Thus, the destructive consequences of disinformation, manipulation and ethical violations are greatly increased. In a world controlled by algorithms, the confinement of individuals in echo chambers only fosters social polarization and manipulation replaces truth. This situation reveals once again that artificial intelligence must be managed with ethical principles. The use of artificial intelligence in the digital realm raises numerous issues such as accountability, transparency and ethics.
During the recent tragedies in Gaza, we witnessed how AI-assisted disinformation was used to mislead international public opinion. Disinformation on social networks is rapidly disseminated by algorithms, while access to truthful information is blocked. As a result, it is difficult for the public opinion to receive real information on the evolution of the situation and human rights violations.
There is no denying the great benefits of technological and digital opportunities for humanity. Just as there is no denying that the existence of those who use these capabilities for malicious purposes poses a threat to global security and stability. In the face of such devastating effects, Turkey strives to prevent misinformation, defend the truth and ensure that the international community has access to truthful information through its strategic communication mechanisms. Raising awareness of digital threats and increasing media literacy are among our priorities in the fight against today’s various risks. The importance of global cooperation in managing the profound transformation of the digital space is increasingly recognized. Turkey continues to support international cooperation in the fight against the truth.
Within the framework of the Century Vision of Turkey of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey is taking a strategic stance in this era of transformation. We have adopted a form of communication approach based on putting technology at the service of humanity, prioritizing social benefit and placing truth at the center. In this new era, we see strategic communication as the key to managing uncertainty and building trust. As Turkey, we play an active role in this field at the national and international level. Our efforts in the fight against misinformation, led by the Presidential Communications Directorate, have long been committed to addressing the crisis of truth and developing effective solutions in this context. We consider crisis communication to be one of the most important application areas of strategic communication processes supported by artificial intelligence. Quickly accessing accurate information and effectively informing the public plays a vital role in times of crisis.
In this period when we are feeling the winds of transformation of the digital era up close, the “STRATCOM: International Forum on Strategic Communication” is a pioneering platform where all these opportunities and risks will be discussed in depth on a global scale. Bringing together representatives from the public sector, media, academia, civil society and the private sector from around the world, the Forum is a hub where the ideas shaping the future of the strategic communication ecosystem will be mixed. However, it is not correct to consider STRATCOM only as a Forum.
“STRATCOM: International Forum for Strategic Communication” is at the same time a global call to build a common will in the face of the challenges of the digital age and the crisis of truth. We see the importance of this global call as these revolutions in artificial intelligence and strategic communication bring with them great responsibilities. We are aware that, for the common future of humanity, we must act with an understanding that does not surrender the principles of truth, conscience and justice. Guided by this understanding, Turkey will continue to be a model not only in its region, but also on a global scale.
