Today, as it becomes increasingly challenging to keep pace with the rapid spread of information, the communication ecosystem is undergoing a process of radical transformation. While this transformation signals positive progress, it also gives rise to moral, cultural, and humanitarian issues. In this entirely new and complex era, where technology is advancing swiftly, artificial intelligence and algorithms have evolved from mere tools to actors that shape the balance of power.
In the contemporary world, where the line between truth and falsehood is becoming increasingly blurred, and humanity grapples with uncertainties—a "crisis of the truth system"—we face immense challenges and recognize that the only way to overcome them is to develop effective communication strategies.
For the benefit of society, our priorities must include: effective analysis, management of opportunities and threats within the communication ecosystem shaped by technology. The evolution of technology is altering societal communication habits, with digital media becoming an essential part of our lives. The most striking aspect of these changes is the influence of artificial intelligence on communication processes.
AI tools are rapidly transforming our world and all industries. Today, artificial intelligence acts as a game-changing force in strategic communications. The opportunities it offers in areas such as crisis management, data analysis, and content creation provide speed and efficiency that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Ideas that were once confined to science fiction are now accessible to everyone. However, this technological progress unfortunately has the potential to become a digital weapon.
Artificial intelligence capable of creating fake content undermines public trust and exacerbates the crisis of the truth system, significantly intensifying the destructive effects of misinformation, manipulation, and ethical violations. In a world controlled by algorithms, individuals trapped in echo chambers fuel social polarization, while manipulation replaces truth. This situation once again highlights the necessity of managing artificial intelligence in accordance with ethical principles. The use of AI in the digital realm presents numerous challenges, including accountability, transparency, and ethics.
Of course, the vast advantages that technological and digital capabilities offer humanity cannot be denied. Similarly, we cannot overlook the existence of those who exploit these opportunities for malicious purposes, posing threats to global security and stability. In response to such destructive consequences, Turkey is making intensive efforts to combat misinformation through strategic communication mechanisms, safeguarding the truth and ensuring that the international community has access to accurate information. Enhancing media literacy and awareness of digital threats is one of our priorities in addressing various contemporary risks. The importance of global cooperation for managing the complex transformation in the digital sphere is increasingly felt every day. On behalf of Turkey, we continue our efforts to support international collaboration in the fight for truth.
Within the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's "Century of Turkey," Turkey occupies a strategic position in this era of transformation. Our principles are based on offering technology services to humanity, prioritizing social benefit, and adopting a communication approach grounded in truth. In this new era, we view strategic communication as the key to managing uncertainty and establishing trust. Turkey plays an active role in this field at both national and international levels.
Our efforts to combat misinformation, carried out by the Communications Directorate under the Presidential Office, have long been resolutely focused on countering the crisis of the truth system and developing effective solutions within this framework. We regard crisis communication as one of the most critical areas of application for strategic communication processes supported by artificial intelligence. Rapid access to accurate information and effective public communication are vital during times of crisis.
As we keenly feel the winds of change in the digital age, the "STRATCOM – International Forum on Strategic Communications," which we are organizing on December 13-14, 2024, will serve as a leading platform for in-depth discussions on all these opportunities and risks on a global scale. The forum, which brings together representatives from government agencies, media, academia, civil society, and the private sector from around the world, is a center for articulating ideas that shape the future of the strategic communications ecosystem. However, it would be incorrect to view STRATCOM solely as a forum.
“STRATCOM: International Forum on Strategic Communications” is a global call that allows for the formation of a common will in the fight against the challenges of the digital age and the crisis of the truth system. We value the importance of this global call, as technological revolutions in artificial intelligence and strategic communications entail significant responsibility. We recognize that we must act with an understanding that does not compromise the principles of truth, conscience, and justice for the common future of humanity. Guided by this understanding, Turkey will continue to be a model country not only in its region but also on a global scale.