Ethics, media deontology and regulations governing the dissemination of content on SR 

Location: Hilton Garden In Hotel in Tangier

Participants.es: Moroccan influencers

The influence and role of social media has increased significantly in Morocco. Having become a major source of information, in particular by dealing with/relaying security issues, they have an impact on their coverage.

Social networks can sometimes promote the promotion of democratic values, sometimes challenge them and constitute a threat to (human) security. In Morocco, the proliferation of influencer channels, coupled with the lack of media literacy, have led to a double problem:

• Influencers generally express themselves spontaneously, without worrying about the veracity of the facts related, the relevance of the ideas expressed or the repercussions of their remarks on society. Some influencers can even broadcast/relay fake news, racist and hateful messages; on the strength of their notoriety, they exert a harmful influence on their audience, reinforce gender stereotypes (which hinder equality between women and men) and ultimately expose certain segments of the population. They also expose themselves to legal proceedings;
• The Moroccan digital sphere is facing a growing rise in mistrust and conspiracy theories that pollute public debate, while encouraging a repressive response from the authorities.
  The joint approach of the Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights aims to raise awareness among influencers – among the most popular – of the importance of respecting human rights and ethical standards on social networks. To do this they plan:

– To organize training on aspects related to human security, the gender dimension, media ethics/deontology, good practices and rules governing the distribution of content on social networks for influencers, who will be selected on the basis of previously established criteria (age, gender, target audience, popularity, type of social network, etc.);

The training must build the capacities of the participants in terms of:

1. Ethical issues in the use of social networks as well as the principles and rules to be respected in their content,
2. Aspects related to human security, media ethics/deontology, good practices and rules governing the distribution of content on social networks for influencers,
3. Increase the ability of targeted influencers to publish content that respects the ethical principles and rules in force.
4. Emphasize the values of inclusion and equality and gender stereotypes that constitute an obstacle to equality between men and women.

THEMES:

1. Ethics, media deontology and regulations governing the dissemination of content on SR, social media law, human security, and conspiracy theories;
2. Gender perspective, the values of inclusion and equality and gender stereotypes characteristic of hate speech.