How the New Campaign Aims to Stop the Spread of False Information Online

A new international front has opened in the battle for truth online. At its fifth General Assembly in Kuwait City, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)—a coalition representing nearly 10% of the world’s population—officially launched a major campaign to combat the spread of online misinformation, a threat now ranked by 80% of government experts as a primary risk to national security.

“Misinformation is not an abstract concern; it puts at risk the social cohesion that holds our communities together,” warned Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs and chair of the DCO Council.

A Threat to Security and Stability

The campaign elevates the fight against false information from a content moderation issue to a matter of global security and economic resilience. Saudi Arabia’s Communications Minister, Abdullah Al-Swaha, underscored the severity, noting that misinformation now ranks among the “top five risks for the global workforce.” The initiative, set as the flagship project during Kuwait’s presidency, aims to create a concrete platform for countries and private partners to make shared commitments and take actionable steps.

This move recognizes a harsh reality: the digital tools that connect us can also be weaponized to divide societies, undermine trust in institutions, and destabilize nations. The DCO’s response is to foster coordinated, multilateral action where fragmented efforts have struggled.

Building a Digital Future on Trust and Inclusion

The campaign is part of a broader vision for a responsible digital future. Ministers highlighted several parallel achievements, including:

• The launch of a responsible framework for artificial intelligence (AI).
• Efforts to promote trusted cross-border data flows.
• Significant strides in developing digital talent, with DCO member states now home to over 2 million tech professionals and 16 unicorn companies.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya framed the moment with urgency, stating, “The real question is: who will benefit?” from transformative technologies like AI. She warned that without deliberate action, the digital divide “will not close… it will deepen.” The new misinformation campaign is a direct effort to ensure the benefits of the digital age are protected from the corrosion of deception.

A Model for Practical Multilateralism

In an era where global cooperation is often strained, the DCO is positioning itself as a practical alliance. “At a time when multilateralism itself is being tested, the DCO stands as a platform of trust and dialogue,” Al-Yahya noted. The organization has grown to 16 member states and more than 60 observers, building what she called a “coalition” grounded in tangible collaboration rather than mere dialogue.

As the campaign moves forward, its success will depend on the concrete pledges it garners and its ability to implement effective, cross-border strategies that protect citizens without stifling innovation or free speech. The launch signals a clear understanding: in the age of artificial intelligence and viral falsehoods, safeguarding truth is not just a technical challenge, but a foundational requirement for global digital prosperity and security. The world is watching to see if this coalition can turn conviction into lasting change.

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