Representatives of states and governments of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) have gathered for an in-person meeting after two years of Covid-19 to discuss various issues, including misinformation.

Representatives at the 40th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) on Mar 16. Photo: OIF

Participants at the 40th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) held this week expressed concerns about the growing dangers of misinformation, especially on social networks, calling for collective action against this scourge.

They highlighted the role of media and GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) in the combat.

Meanwhile, they agreed to give their full support to the actions of the OIF and other actors of the Francophonie, particularly those aimed at training young people in fact-checking.

On this occasion, the ministers and representatives of the member states and governments adopted the Single Rules of the Bodies of La Francophonie that modernizes their operation, harmonizes the rules which are applicable to them.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France and Representative of Vietnam to the Francophonie Dinh Toan Thang. Photo: VNA

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to France and Representative of Vietnam to the Francophonie Dinh Toan Thang shared Vietnam’s practical lessons in combating disinformation, including promulgating the Code of Conduct on social networks; strengthening the regulatory framework; developing technical tools to measure in real time and analyze website traffic;   filtering and verifying information; disseminating mainstream information; and building teams to handle misinformation in cyberspace.

In addition, Vietnam also diversifies communication methods and regularly updates legal documents and the views of the Party and State, maintaining coordination between state agencies and mass organizations to minimize misleading information.

The Vietnamese diplomat welcomed an upcoming visit to Vietnam by a delegation of nearly 100 businesses from Africa, Europe, and North America led by OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo scheduled for March 21 - 26, 2022.

The Francophonie is a group of 88 member states and governments and observers that share French as a common language, as well as values in common. It represents one billion people, including over 300 million French speakers across five continents.

Established in 1970, OIF missions are to promote the French language and cultural and linguistic diversity; promote peace, democracy and human rights; support education, training, higher education and research; and foster economic cooperation to bolster sustainable development.