Union State MPs call for timely response to fake news

Participants of the meeting exchanged views on the main trends in the modern media landscape, new information and communication technologies. Particular attention was paid to the role of social networks in shaping the information agenda and influencing the public opinion.

“The MPs noted the importance of objective coverage of the integration processes of Belarus and Russia and the timely response to the emergence of distorted or deliberately falsified information,” the press service informed. “According to the MPs, in light of the current reality and information threats the Union State need to adjust the information policy. To this end, it is proposed to take measures to further develop the potential of the BelRos TV channel, ensure its full-length broadcasting, to promote the internet resources of the Soyuznoye Veche newspaper, the Union. Belarus-Russia newspaper and the Union State magazine. The Union State media outlets are encouraged to expand their presence in social media.”

The MPs also examined the role that regional mass media play in the development of the Union State common information space. “MPs agreed that, despite a big presence of the Union State media in the regions of Belarus and Russia, there is a need to enhance the role of regional media in the development of the Union State common information space. MPs proposed to make a greater use of the capabilities of the Information Ministry of Belarus and the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia. The Parliamentary Assembly commissions were proposed to consider ways to step up work to popularize the ideas of the Union State, to promote the Union State common information space by organizing such work in the regions that MPs of the Parliamentary Assembly represent,” the press service said.

Attending the meeting were MPs, representatives of the Union State Standing Committee, the Information Ministry of Belarus and heads of the Union State mass media.