The Ministry of Culture and Information must set up a special center at its headquarters that can identify and counter lies and rumors circulated by local and international groups and individuals.

This was one of the recommendations from delegates at a conference at King Khaled University from Nov. 25 to 27, held under the auspices of Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled. The conference looked at the negative social consequences of rumors and false information.

The ministry must work with other government agencies and private sector organizations to counter this growing phenomenon, said delegates. Media houses should also play a role in ensuring that they do not publish incorrect information, and the government should prosecute those responsible for spreading lies, they said.

During the opening ceremony, Prince Faisal said media houses should raise awareness about this issue in their publications. The audience included experts, researchers and university students.

Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Daoud, director of the university and the conference’s general supervisor, said this was becoming an increasing problem at home and abroad. He said false information has resulted in problems for several countries. Many nations were now taking action to counter this, he said.

Ali bin Shawil Al-Qurni, head of the scientific committee and the university’s media and communications department, said the committee received over 700 applications from researchers hoping to participate in the conference.

The committee selected the best 80 applications to take part in the conference’s 12 sessions, he said.

One of the sessions looked at the role of Saudi organizations in combating rumors, in collaboration with ministries and other bodies. Participants also discussed this phenomenon in terms of Islamic law, and how it was playing out in Arab countries. The conference’s research papers presented a number of programs, guidelines and ways to combat lies.

The participants thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for supporting the conference and the education sector in the Kingdom.

Other recommendations included studies and drawing up strategies by the academic community to counter false information and creation of a research center by King Khaled University dedicated to the subject.

There were also recommendations for the government to introduce this issue into curricula at schools and universities; and for companies and institutions to have dedicated spokespersons to respond to false information.

The delegates also urged media organizations and news websites to enhance their professional practices and implement a code of conduct for all staff. They said religious institutions and the Islamic Affairs Ministry must raise awareness about the issue.

In addition, they recommended that King Khaled University hold a conference every two years to discuss the issue.