During a roundtable held within a high-level international conference on information integrity and independent media, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are being used as tools to spread large-scale fake news and conduct disinformation campaigns.
“Our meeting comes at a decisive moment when access to trustworthy information and independent journalism plays a crucial role in advancing democratic values. At the same time, digital technologies and AI are being exploited as tools to disseminate large-scale fake news and execute disinformation campaigns,” Mirzoyan said.
He noted that, like any democratic nation, Armenia is facing a significant wave of hybrid threats. Responding to these challenges, he added, has become a part of Armenia’s daily routine.
“This is where a complex dilemma and a delicate line emerge: on one hand, protecting freedom of speech and pluralistic media; on the other, firmly countering those bad-faith actors who abuse this freedom to undermine public trust and democratic institutions. We fully understand these attempts will intensify as Armenia approaches next year’s parliamentary elections.”
What is the key to navigating this situation? “I believe the answer is democracy itself. To protect democracy in Armenia, we must rely on democracy and the mechanisms it provides.”
“Of course, we cannot overcome this challenge alone. We’ve built and continue to expand partnerships with like-minded allies that help strengthen Armenia’s resilience.”
Recognizing the importance of healthy information ecosystems worldwide, Mirzoyan said Armenia is playing a leading role within the framework of the Partnership for Information and Democracy.
The discussion was held as part of the 8th Paris Peace Forum, with the theme “Seeking Common Ground for Peace, People and the Planet.”
