The Tanzanian government has highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity, accuracy and truthfulness throughout the information chain, particularly in the digital age. Assistant Director for Registration at the Tanzania Information Services Department, Evordy Kyando, made these remarks in Dar es Salaam during the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information. He emphasized the government's recognition of platforms that bring together media stakeholders to assess themselves and listen to views on fulfilling their responsibility to ensure citizens receive accurate, timely and verifiable information.
Kyando noted that the current digital environment has brought challenges due to the ease and speed of sharing information through the internet, social media, smartphones and new technologies, including artificial intelligence. This situation can contribute to the spread of false information and affect citizens' decisions. He added that access to information is a fundamental right under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania. The government continues to establish systems and improve laws governing access to information.
The fight against misinformation and malinformation cannot be left to the government alone, but requires cooperation from journalists and all stakeholders involved in freedom of information. Kyando stressed the importance of every stakeholder verifying information before using or disseminating it. He also stated that the government is ready to listen to assessments and participate in discussions on how laws governing access to information, media services and other relevant legislation are being implemented.
Ernest Sungura, Secretary General of the Media Council of Tanzania and Chairperson of the Coalition on the Right to Information, echoed Kyando's sentiments. He said access to information alone is not enough in the digital age; citizens also need information that is timely, accurate and trustworthy. Sungura noted that the current environment is saturated with false and misleading information, edited photographs and videos, as well as content generated using artificial intelligence.
Sungura added that there is a direct relationship between access to information and information integrity. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure that citizens receive accurate and trustworthy information. The Media Council of Tanzania and the Coalition on the Right to Information are key stakeholders in promoting access to information and information integrity in the country.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information is an important occasion for stakeholders to reflect on the progress made in promoting access to information. It also provides an opportunity for governments, media stakeholders and civil society organizations to discuss challenges and strategies for promoting access to information and information integrity. The commemoration of this day in Dar es Salaam brought together various stakeholders to discuss these issues.
The government's emphasis on maintaining integrity, accuracy and truthfulness in the information chain is a significant step towards promoting access to information. The cooperation of journalists and other stakeholders is crucial in this effort. Three key points emerge from this discussion: firstly, the importance of verifying information before dissemination; secondly, the need for stakeholders to work together to promote access to information and information integrity; and thirdly, the government's commitment to establishing systems and improving laws governing access to information.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government stresses the importance of maintaining integrity, accuracy and truthfulness in the information chain.
- Access to information alone is not enough; citizens also need information that is timely, accurate and trustworthy.
- The fight against misinformation and malinformation requires cooperation from journalists and all stakeholders involved in freedom of information.
