Oman has put forward a proposal for unified guidelines to manage social media content across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This initiative aims to enhance media coordination and protect the regional unity among member states. The proposal was introduced during the 29th meeting of GCC Information Ministers held in Manama, Bahrain, with Oman’s Minister of Information, Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, leading the delegation.
The ministers at the meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to safeguard regional security and stability. They acknowledged the need for a coordinated approach to tackle misleading, offensive, and harmful content prevalent on traditional media and digital platforms. The Omani proposal seeks to establish a framework that enables collaboration among GCC countries to monitor and document violations effectively, promote accountability, and support legal actions in line with each country’s national laws.
Media organizations, journalists, and social media users were urged by the ministers to verify information, rely on official sources, and refrain from spreading misleading or offensive materials that could damage relations among Gulf countries. The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Gulf media institutions and adapting to the rapid developments in digital media and artificial intelligence.
The ministers underscored the role of official media in promoting public awareness and communicating accurate information while showcasing the region’s developmental achievements. The meeting emphasized coordinated media efforts across the Gulf to address emerging digital challenges, protect shared interests, and reinforce connections among the peoples of GCC member states.