LEBANON - Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morcos spoke at the Web Summit Qatar 2026. He said the main challenge today is not just delivering information, but ensuring it is accurate and trusted.

He noted the fast spread of disinformation on social media. Over 70% of citizens rely on these platforms as their main news source.

In a session titled “Democracy Under Pressure,” Morcos highlighted the difficulty of balancing speed and accuracy. False news often spreads faster than verified information. The state must communicate quickly without misleading the public.

He explained how Lebanon’s public media operates. Staff receive continuous training, and a specialized team checks for disinformation. He stressed the need for simple language, transparency, and consistent official messaging.

On government trust, Morcos said it is built through actions, credibility, and consistency, not words alone. Government communication should be clear, concise, and effective under pressure.

Regarding digital disinformation, he distinguished internal cases, addressed with rapid correction and legal measures, from external campaigns, linked to national security threats.

On artificial intelligence, he said Lebanon is at an early but promising stage. The Ministry of Information uses AI to detect fake news, track misleading narratives, speed up verification, and support archiving and translation. Ethical and responsible use is key.

He concluded that crises increase the sensitivity of government communication. Authorities must maintain balanced messaging, unified trusted sources, and coordination between media and security institutions. This helps reduce rumors, protect civil peace, and preserve citizens’ trust.