October 11, 2018 | Bilasuvar, Azerbaijan
The Modern Information Society and Innovations Public Union continued the implementation of the project “Support to the Prevention of Managed Disinformation Policy and Protection of National Interests in Social Networks”, carried out with the assistance of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The next awareness-raising event within the project was held in Bilasuvar.
The event brought together representatives of local executive authorities, journalists, young people, and bloggers. During the discussions, Kamil Qurbanlı, Deputy Director of the Department of Social, Political, and Humanitarian Affairs of the Bilasuvar District Executive Power, emphasized the close cooperation between local authorities and civil society institutions. He noted that the executive authorities are always attentive to NGO initiatives and actively support the organization of public discussions.
Project expert and well-known journalist Seymur Verdizade stated that the widespread use of the Internet in Azerbaijan is a positive development in terms of freedom of speech and expression. At the same time, he stressed the importance of ensuring that individual use of social networks does not conflict with broader societal interests. According to him, particularly during sensitive or extreme situations, public opinion formed on social media can lead to negative consequences if misinformation spreads unchecked.
In his remarks, Mirzə Cəfərov, Chief Adviser of the Department of Social, Political, and Humanitarian Affairs of the Bilasuvar District Executive Power, called on young people active on social networks to become proactive defenders of national interests. He highlighted the need to make effective use of social media platforms to communicate accurate information about Azerbaijan to the international community.
