The second session of the International Defense Conference (IDC) 2025 was held under the theme “Disinformation and Infiltration Operations: Weaponizing Information in Modern Conflicts,” emphasizing the intersection of technology and politics, where information has become a powerful tool in modern conflicts.
Publish dateMonday 17 February 2025 - 20:38
According to Amac News, the panels of the session examined disinformation tactics, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing disinformation campaigns, and their impact on the stability of societies and political systems.
The session addressed the techniques used by state and non-state actors, the impact of AI and deepfake technology in disinformation campaigns, the ethical implications of using information as a weapon, and the role of social media platforms in spreading disinformation.
It also addressed strategies for identifying and countering disinformation, and collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations to create a resilient information environment.
At the meeting, Mekhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, emphasized that Armenian companies are making significant investments in AI solutions.
He said that governments should work with civil society to increase media literacy and combat fake news. Investments in research, development, infrastructure and legal frameworks are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Retired US military official Kevin Dungan, former commander of NAVCENT and the US 5th Fleet, and senior advisor to TRENDS US, noted that while disinformation is not a new phenomenon, its scale and pace have increased dramatically. State and non-state actors are exploiting disinformation to gain strategic advantages, including in global supply chains.
He said that legislation, such as criminalizing deepfake disinformation, can be helpful but is not enough on its own. Public awareness, education and open dialogue are equally crucial.
Lisa Past, a cybersecurity and strategic communications expert and former Estonian National Cyber Director, also said that AI is both a threat and a tool, as it enables fake content on the one hand and helps identify and counter false narratives on the other.
Meanwhile, Aisha Manzoor Wattoo, Director General of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), warned about the harmful consequences of disinformation, especially in elections, public health and social stability. She noted that disinformation in Pakistan has undermined trust in democracy and contributed to vaccine mistrust in rural areas, and has had adverse effects in Myanmar and India.
The conference, titled “Defense Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience,” was organized by the ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defense and the Balanced Council.
The event brought together government officials, defense policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and representatives of multinational companies.
The session addressed the techniques used by state and non-state actors, the impact of AI and deepfake technology in disinformation campaigns, the ethical implications of using information as a weapon, and the role of social media platforms in spreading disinformation.
It also addressed strategies for identifying and countering disinformation, and collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations to create a resilient information environment.
At the meeting, Mekhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, emphasized that Armenian companies are making significant investments in AI solutions.
He said that governments should work with civil society to increase media literacy and combat fake news. Investments in research, development, infrastructure and legal frameworks are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Retired US military official Kevin Dungan, former commander of NAVCENT and the US 5th Fleet, and senior advisor to TRENDS US, noted that while disinformation is not a new phenomenon, its scale and pace have increased dramatically. State and non-state actors are exploiting disinformation to gain strategic advantages, including in global supply chains.
He said that legislation, such as criminalizing deepfake disinformation, can be helpful but is not enough on its own. Public awareness, education and open dialogue are equally crucial.
Lisa Past, a cybersecurity and strategic communications expert and former Estonian National Cyber Director, also said that AI is both a threat and a tool, as it enables fake content on the one hand and helps identify and counter false narratives on the other.
Meanwhile, Aisha Manzoor Wattoo, Director General of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), warned about the harmful consequences of disinformation, especially in elections, public health and social stability. She noted that disinformation in Pakistan has undermined trust in democracy and contributed to vaccine mistrust in rural areas, and has had adverse effects in Myanmar and India.
The conference, titled “Defense Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience,” was organized by the ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defense and the Balanced Council.
The event brought together government officials, defense policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and representatives of multinational companies.
amacnews.com/vdch.vnit23nwx10d2.html
Source : news agency wam
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