Listen to the article
Moroccan Authorities Rally Against Fake News Amid Rising Digital Disinformation Concerns
Moroccan media and regulatory authorities have launched a coordinated campaign to combat the rising tide of fake news and disinformation that officials warn is threatening national cohesion and democratic functioning in the North African kingdom.
At a conference titled “Combating Fake News: Approaches and Perspectives,” organized by the Ministry of Communication, stakeholders addressed the multifaceted challenges facing media and digital spaces, with particular focus on disinformation’s negative impact on both individuals and Moroccan society at large.
Latifa Akharbach, President of Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts. “Combating disinformation and deconstructing false, manipulative narratives require coordinated public action,” Akharbach stated, adding that “sustainable and effective approaches to fighting disinformation inevitably require frameworks founded on shared responsibility within genuine public policy structures.”
Akharbach outlined that such policies must guarantee the establishment of necessary conditions regarding fundamental freedoms, professional standards in media and regulation, citizen education, and technological mastery. These elements, she noted, are essential to anticipate and manage informational risks that threaten Morocco’s national cohesion and the proper functioning of democratic spaces.
The HACA president highlighted the critical role of professional media organizations in the fight against disinformation. She called for strengthening their capacity through an emphasis on quality and credibility, while addressing various economic, professional, and ethical vulnerabilities affecting Morocco’s media ecosystem.
Despite the global nature of information risks in the digital age, Akharbach stressed the paradoxical need for developing locally adapted responses anchored in Morocco’s specific national context. She particularly emphasized the importance of holding digital actors accountable, noting that information disseminated on electronic platforms has a direct impact on public debate quality and political discourse.
The conference presented research showing transformed media consumption patterns among Moroccans. According to the Reuters Institute’s 2025 Digital News Report, which includes Morocco among 48 countries surveyed, approximately 78 percent of Moroccan internet users now obtain their news primarily through online sources—underscoring the digital sphere’s growing influence and the corresponding need for vigilance against misinformation.
Ahmed El Attari, Director of Research and Strategy at the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), Morocco’s official news agency, detailed MAP’s comprehensive strategy to combat fake news. El Attari positioned MAP as “a responsible communication actor and a bulwark of informational reliability” in the Moroccan media landscape.
MAP’s approach extends beyond maintaining rigorous professional standards, verification processes, and editorial responsibility. According to El Attari, the agency has developed an “informational sovereignty strategic vision” that includes deployment of various operational tools specifically designed to counter disinformation within Morocco’s national media environment.
The initiative comes as nations worldwide grapple with similar challenges posed by digital disinformation. Morocco’s efforts reflect a growing recognition among governments, particularly in developing regions, that fake news represents not merely an annoyance but a genuine threat to social stability and democratic institutions.
Media analysts note that Morocco’s approach—emphasizing coordination between government agencies, regulatory bodies, and media organizations—could serve as a model for other nations in the region facing similar challenges with digital disinformation.
As the campaign gains momentum, Moroccan authorities plan to expand educational initiatives targeting digital literacy among citizens, while continuing to strengthen institutional frameworks to respond rapidly to emerging disinformation threats.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a concerning issue for Morocco. Disinformation campaigns can undermine public trust and social cohesion. It’s encouraging to see authorities taking a proactive stance to address the problem through coordinated efforts.
The rise of digital disinformation is a global challenge, not just for Morocco. Establishing effective policy frameworks and shared responsibility is crucial to combating this threat to democratic societies.
Absolutely. Combating disinformation requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving media, government, and the public. Transparent and accountable policies can help mitigate the spread of false narratives.
The Moroccan government’s acknowledgment of the disinformation crisis is an important first step. Collaborative efforts between media, regulators, and the public will be key to developing sustainable solutions.
This is a timely issue for Morocco to address. Disinformation can have far-reaching consequences for a country’s social fabric and democratic processes. I hope the proposed policy frameworks are effective in combating this threat.
Moroccan authorities seem to recognize the seriousness of the disinformation crisis and the need for a coordinated response. It will be interesting to see the specific measures and policies they implement to address this complex issue.
Disinformation is a global problem that requires a concerted, multi-faceted response. Morocco’s initiative to address this issue through policy frameworks and shared responsibility is a positive development.
Agreed. Establishing clear accountability and transparency measures will be crucial for the success of any anti-disinformation efforts. It’s a complex challenge, but a necessary one to tackle.