Azerbaijan Prioritizes Media Literacy to Fight Disinformation, Official Says

In a critical examination of the growing threat of disinformation, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council has highlighted media literacy as a fundamental defense mechanism against false information circulating online.

Speaking at a public forum in Baku on Sunday, Rashad Majid addressed the challenges posed by deliberate misinformation campaigns targeting Azerbaijan during a discussion titled “Disinformation: as the most serious threat on a global scale and in the reality of Azerbaijan.”

“Media literacy is a key requirement for people to take a stand against the lies and evil that are rampant on social media,” Majid emphasized during his address to participants. His comments reflect a growing concern within Azerbaijan about the proliferation of false narratives that aim to undermine the country’s achievements.

The chairman specifically pointed to coordinated disinformation efforts designed to diminish Azerbaijan’s progress on both domestic and international fronts. “Deliberately fake news is spread against Azerbaijan’s successes,” he noted, drawing attention to a pattern that officials have increasingly observed across various media platforms.

According to Majid, disinformation targeting Azerbaijan stems from multiple sources, including malicious actors and those who simply lack accurate information. “These include news spread out of ignorance and illiteracy. Preventing this is related to media literacy,” he explained, suggesting that education remains central to combating the problem.

The issue of disinformation has gained particular relevance in Azerbaijan following the country’s reclamation of territories in Nagorno-Karabakh and subsequent peace negotiations with Armenia. Regional experts note that social media platforms have become battlegrounds where narratives about these developments are frequently distorted.

Media literacy—the ability to identify, evaluate, and critically analyze media content—has emerged as a priority for many governments worldwide as they grapple with the societal impacts of unchecked information flows. Azerbaijan’s focus on this issue aligns with global trends, as countries from the European Union to Singapore implement programs to strengthen public resilience against misinformation.

The Azerbaijan Press Council, under Majid’s leadership, has been advocating for greater institutional support for media literacy initiatives. These efforts include educational programs in schools, public awareness campaigns, and professional development for journalists.

Majid concluded his remarks with a call to action for Azerbaijani citizens, stressing collective responsibility in confronting the disinformation challenge. “All Azerbaijani citizens must demonstrate activity and express their position against disinformation,” he stated, highlighting the need for public engagement beyond government and media organization efforts.

The discussion in Baku comes at a time when international organizations, including the United Nations and OSCE, have identified disinformation as a significant threat to democratic processes, public health, and regional stability. Azerbaijan, positioned at a geopolitical crossroads between Europe and Asia, faces particular vulnerabilities to information manipulation campaigns.

Media experts attending the forum noted that Azerbaijan’s experience reflects broader regional challenges, as countries throughout the Caucasus and Central Asia navigate complex information environments influenced by major powers and regional rivalries.

As digital platforms continue to evolve and artificial intelligence makes detecting manipulated content more difficult, the emphasis on media literacy represents a strategic approach that empowers citizens to become active participants in maintaining information integrity rather than passive consumers of potentially misleading content.