Morocco Launches Digital Counteroffensive to Combat Disinformation and Protect National Image
The Kingdom of Morocco is taking a decisive stance against the rising tide of digital disinformation campaigns targeting its national image and interests. Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication, Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, announced the establishment of a dedicated media monitoring and surveillance system designed to identify, analyze, and counter the spread of fake news and malicious propaganda in the virtual space. This initiative marks a significant escalation in Morocco’s efforts to protect its reputation and counter what government officials describe as a "virtual war" waged by hostile actors.
The digital attacks, often political in nature, focus on sensitive issues such as the disputed territory of Western Sahara, migration policies, and Morocco’s evolving international relationships. These campaigns, Bensaid warned, aim to undermine the Kingdom’s integrity and sow discord among its citizens. The newly formed department will work in conjunction with the Ministry to track and analyze online publications related to Morocco, identifying false narratives and developing strategies to counter their spread. Simultaneously, the government is emphasizing the importance of strengthening national media outlets, recognizing their crucial role as a first line of defense against disinformation.
According to reports, groups opposed to Morocco’s ideology and international actions, including Algerian entities and the Polisario Front, are leveraging media platforms to disseminate misleading information that distorts the country’s image. The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara remains a primary target, with opponents challenging Morocco’s sovereignty claim. Furthermore, the Kingdom’s independent foreign policy, characterized by its balanced approach, rejection of European pressure tactics, and growing engagement with African nations, has also drawn criticism from some regional powers. Morocco’s advancements in areas like renewable energy and its success in attracting foreign investment have further fueled these attacks, perceived as a threat by some neighboring countries.
The disinformation campaigns utilize a variety of tactics, ranging from biased reports by international organizations to the spread of fake news on social media platforms. Even fabricated investigative journalism is employed to question the legitimacy of the Moroccan state. These attacks extend beyond the political realm, as highlighted by MP Aziza Boujrida, who warned of the "deliberate theft" of Morocco’s cultural heritage by foreign entities, citing instances of appropriation of cultural symbols like couscous. Boujrida also condemned an offensive report by an Algerian channel that insulted Moroccan citizens involved in the Green March, a historical event of great significance to the nation. Such actions, she argued, represent a direct attack on the history and dignity of the Moroccan people.
The underlying objective of these disinformation campaigns, the Moroccan government argues, is to erode public trust in the Kingdom. To counter this, the government is urging national media outlets to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and provide accurate and reliable information to citizens, particularly on sensitive issues like justice, freedoms, and human rights. Minister Bensaid highlighted the example of a Moroccan media outlet focused on the Sahara region, which provides factual updates on the socio-economic progress in the area, thereby countering negative rumors and providing a balanced perspective.
Experts recommend adopting a multi-pronged approach to combat the spread of disinformation. This includes establishing multilingual information channels and platforms to reach a wider audience, as well as forging alliances with foreign media organizations to address the issue on a global scale. Morocco’s proactive response underscores its determination to defend its national image and counter the digital offensives aimed at undermining its stability and progress. The Kingdom is actively engaging in this "soft war" to protect its dignity and the interests of its people. By strengthening its domestic media landscape and investing in robust monitoring and response mechanisms, Morocco is signaling its commitment to confronting disinformation and safeguarding its national narrative in the digital age. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched as the battle against disinformation continues to intensify.