Turkish Government Rejects Claims of NATO Control Over Disinformation Center
Ankara, Türkiye – The Turkish Presidential Directorate of Communications has vehemently denied allegations published in the Aydinlik newspaper, which claimed that Türkiye’s Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) is controlled by NATO headquarters. In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the Directorate denounced the report, titled “Disinformation Center Run from NATO Headquarters,” as a baseless and ideologically motivated attempt to undermine the DMM and its crucial work. The Directorate categorically rejected the central claim of NATO control, asserting that the DMM operates independently and exclusively in accordance with Türkiye’s national interests.
The Directorate characterized the Aydinlik report as a deliberate distortion of facts designed to harm Türkiye’s national interests. It emphasized the DMM’s critical role in countering disinformation campaigns that threaten national security and public order. According to the statement, the newspaper’s allegations are a blatant attempt to misrepresent the DMM’s activities and sow distrust among the Turkish public. The Directorate urged citizens to rely on information from official sources with clear mandates, rather than giving credence to publications driven by questionable motives.
The Aydinlik report cited the participation of DMM personnel in NATO-related training and internship programs as evidence of undue influence. The Directorate’s statement directly addressed these claims, clarifying that such programs are designed to develop highly skilled personnel capable of representing Türkiye effectively on international platforms. These initiatives, according to the Directorate, are essential for fostering international cooperation and promoting Türkiye’s interests within the NATO alliance. Far from being evidence of “recruitment” or “co-optation” as the Aydinlik article suggests, these programs represent a valuable investment in Türkiye’s human capital and international standing.
The Directorate stressed the importance of public trust in institutions tasked with protecting national security and emphasized the need for caution regarding information disseminated by potentially biased sources. It reiterated the DMM’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of disinformation, specifically those that pose a threat to Türkiye’s national security and international relations. The statement underscored the government’s resolve to maintain the integrity and independence of the DMM in its fight against disinformation.
The controversy highlights the growing concern surrounding disinformation and its potential impact on national security in the digital age. Türkiye, like many other countries, faces a complex challenge in navigating the spread of disinformation and misinformation, particularly in the context of international relations and alliances. The accusations leveled by the Aydinlik newspaper appear to reflect a broader skepticism towards international institutions and collaborations.
The Directorate of Communications’ robust response underscores the Turkish government’s commitment to defending the integrity of its institutions and pushing back against narratives perceived as undermining national security. The episode also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accurate reporting in addressing the complex issue of disinformation. The government’s clear and decisive response aims to reassure the public of its commitment to combating disinformation while simultaneously defending its relationship with NATO. The controversy will likely continue to be debated within Türkiye, particularly given the ongoing concerns about the influence of foreign powers and the role of international organizations.