Our previous governments were significantly influenced by what was posted and discussed on social media. While the absence of the National Assembly has temporarily reduced this impact, social media still holds considerable influence and importance.
It remains essential not only to pay attention to what is shared but, more importantly, to address the rumors that circulate online. These rumors can jeopardize national or social security, especially regarding critical topics that concern the public -- issues like tax implementation, revoking citizenship, the mandatory biometric fingerprint, justifications for a third fingerprint system, rumors about salary increases or loan cancellations, and other matters citizens, especially the average person, eagerly seek news about. Over time, these rumors, passed from one person to another, can begin to resemble truths that are difficult to refute. Human nature tends to ignore ordinary or even good news, it rarely captures attention.
Instead, it’s the sensational stories -- revoked citizenships, news of executions, horrific crime details, canceled health insurance, new taxes, or the removal of government support -- that captivate people and elevate their adrenaline. Such news spreads uncontrollably, and it’s nearly impossible to track down, arrest, or prosecute those who initiate these rumors. What’s required is an immediate response to quash these rumors before they take root and cause further disruption. In every ministry and government agency, there exists a department known as the ‘Public Relations Department’.
Often, this department becomes a place where the undersecretary or minister sidelines individuals they wish to remove from more active roles. As a result, it is frequently dormant and ineffective. However, there are exceptions, such as the commendable work done by the Media Department in the Ministry of Interior, where the department’s success stems from its proactive director, not merely from written directives. In a circular issued in 2023 by the Council of Ministers , every government agency was instructed to activate the role of its media and public relations units. They were also required to appoint an “official spokesperson” to monitor and address everything published in the media and on social platforms, particularly when it involved misinformation, abuse, or distortion of the agency’s role. The directive emphasized the need for swift, factual responses to prevent rumors from spreading and causing confusion or doubt.
Additionally, ministries and agencies were asked to assign representatives to serve as liaisons between the agency and the “Information Center,” an entity many are likely unfamiliar with, to coordinate and follow up on related issues. Despite the clear directive, very few government agencies took action. Only two or three agencies appointed official spokespeople, while the rest completely ignored the decision.
As for the appointment of liaison officers and official spokespeople for ministries and agencies under a minister’s supervision -- intended to be completed within a week of the decision in November last year -- little or no action was taken. Upon reviewing the website of the so-called “Government Communication Center,” which operates under the Council of Ministers, there was little to ease my frustration.
The reasons for this inaction are evident -- perhaps this center, too, has become yet another bureaucratic graveyard. It is necessary to activate the role of these bodies, and give the official spokesperson for each government body his role and importance, to silence the voices that try to offend us as citizens and residents, and before that as a government and a state.
By Ahmad alsarraf
e-mail: [email protected]
