Indonesia, Australia cooperate to combat misinformation, disinformation

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD and Australian Minister for Cyber Security Clare O'Neil on March 14 agreed to cooperate in combating misinformation, disinformation, according to Antara news agency.

Minister Mahfud was quoted as saying at the 9th Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Melbourne, Australia, that based on the high level of interest of the two countries in this issue, he believes Indonesia and Australia can promote cooperation and establish a practical programme, similar to what Indonesia has done with ASEAN countries.

Minister Mahfud affirmed that the Indonesian government is making all-out effort to minimize the impact of fake news and hostile statements on social media platforms and messages in order to prevent conflicts and violence. He added that the Indonesian government has implemented many measures to combat fake news, such as enforcing the law, strengthening its presence on digital platform services, and increasing public awareness to recognize and prevent it.

The minister also emphasized the importance of pushing for multi-party cooperation to enhance the ability to address the threats posed by misinformation and fake news.

According to Mahfud, as part of its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023, Indonesia has proposed to the ASEAN Secretariat a draft guideline on combating fake news and misinformation for government agencies, which he said could become a reference material for ASEAN member states in developing their own guidelines or strategies to address the issue of fake news and misinformation in their countries.

O'Neil shared that fake news and misinformation have also become matters of concern in Australia. Both countries have committed to addressing the issue by enhancing bilateral cooperation as well as sharing good practices and experiences./.