Assaf calls for digital platforms to be bound by Arab laws at the Media Forum
The General Supervisor of Palestinian Official Media, Dr. Ahmed Assaf, affirmed that the Arab world is at a historical crossroads that requires strategic cooperation to deal with the dominance of major technology companies, stressing that “collective negotiation” is no longer a luxury option but an urgent necessity to compel digital platforms to respect Arab laws and legislation, similar to what the European Union countries have achieved in this field.
Assaf’s remarks came during his active participation in the third edition of the Saudi Media Forum, hosted by the capital, Riyadh, under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, under the slogan “Media in a World in Shape,” which is witnessing a remarkable presence of an elite group of media experts and decision-makers from around the world.
Digital sovereignty and the European model
In his address, Assaf explained that the European experience in imposing strict laws on tech giants to protect data and privacy and prevent monopolies represents a model that should be studied and built upon in the Arab world. He pointed out that individual efforts by countries may not be effective against massive economic and technological entities, while an "Arab bloc" would provide negotiating power that ensures respect for societal values, preserves national sovereignty, and prevents algorithmic bias that could affect just Arab causes.
In parallel with the legislative aspect, the Palestinian official called for the need to invest in an independent Arab media infrastructure and to launch special platforms capable of addressing the world in its language, to ensure that the correct Arab narrative reaches the world without distortion or censorship, which would strengthen the unified position of Arab countries in international forums.
Saudi initiatives are shaping the future of media
In a related context, participants at the forum commended the leading role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in shaping the media landscape in the region. Saudi Minister of Media, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, had previously announced a comprehensive package of projects, including the launch of 12 key initiatives aimed at empowering the media sector.
Among the most prominent of these initiatives is the Saudi Media Innovation Camp, which aims to stimulate digital creativity among young people. Al-Dossari emphasized that the launch of the forum, with the participation of more than 300 global media leaders and experts, reflects Riyadh's strategic position as the capital of Arab media. He stressed that royal patronage has given the event significant momentum and endowed it with a profound vision that transcends mere news reporting and contributes to shaping the future.
Over its three days (February 2-4), the forum will discuss geopolitical shifts and their impact on the media, and the future of journalism in light of artificial intelligence, making it a vital platform for exchanging ideas and drawing a roadmap for a strong and influential Arab media.
