Information Ministry launches awareness publications to combat rumors and deepfake threats
Reinforcing its pioneering role in promoting the culture of the written word, Kuwait’s Ministry of Information has released a series of educational publications aimed at raising public awareness, countering rumors, and warning against the misuse of modern technologies, especially deepfake tools that distort facts and spread sophisticated misinformation.
Jalal Shaker Al-Baghli, head of book evaluation at the Exhibitions and Media Publications Department under the Press, Publications, and Publishing Sector, told Al-Rai that these publications carry a variety of titles including:
- “No to Rumors”
- “The Danger of Deep Forgery”
- “Media and Soft Power”
- “Jassem and the Drone’s Amazing Journey in the Skies of Kuwait”
- “Nasser, Noura, and the Magic Building Cubes”
These works cater to diverse interests and age groups. Some also include QR codes that link to the Ministry’s official website, merging traditional publishing with digital accessibility. The Department is also keen on participating in local exhibitions and events to further engage the public.
The publication on soft power explains that this form of influence arose as an alternative to hard power, which often results in casualties and destruction. Instead, it promotes non-military methods that use cultural and political tools to achieve strategic goals.
The deepfake publication underscores the serious risks posed by this technology. It describes deepfakes as “among the most dangerous emerging technologies,” capable of producing hyper-realistic videos and images that blur the line between truth and fabrication, thereby threatening public trust in media.
The children’s book “Jassem Waldron” features an educational journey where children explore Kuwait’s tourist landmarks, cultural heritage, and national identity.
Meanwhile, “Nasser and Noura” educates children about the positive and negative aspects of video games, aiming to promote responsible digital behavior.
