Iraqi Interior Ministry says social media misinformation has declined as public awareness rises

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that misinformation circulating on social media has dropped noticeably in recent weeks, crediting the decline to rising public awareness and a willingness among citizens to verify news before sharing it. Brig. Gen. Mikdad Miri, head of the ministry's media relations department, said indicators point to a reduction in the volume of disinformation spread through electronic channels. He attributed the trend to citizens checking information before reposting it and turning more frequently to official sources. Miri said the shift has created a form of partnership between security institutions and the public, and he urged Iraqis to disregard unverified reports and refrain from spreading unconfirmed information. He described public awareness as the first line of defense against disinformation campaigns. The ministry said citizens' reliance on official platforms contributes to maintaining security and stability, though it did not provide specific data on the scale of the reported decline.