Oman has proposed a set of unified guidelines to manage social media content across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to enhance media coordination and maintain regional cohesion. This proposal was put forward during the 29th meeting of GCC Information Ministers, which took place in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday. Oman’s Minister of Information, Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, led the delegation presenting this initiative.
The Omani proposal seeks to create a common framework for cooperation among GCC member states, focusing on improving the monitoring and documentation of violations, promoting accountability, and supporting legal actions in line with each country’s national laws. The proposal addresses the need for coordinated efforts to tackle misleading, offensive, and harmful content that circulates through both traditional and digital media platforms.
During the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering cooperation among the GCC states and ensuring regional security and stability. They emphasized the importance of media organizations, journalists, and social media users in verifying information, relying on official sources, and avoiding the dissemination of misleading or offensive material that could harm inter-Gulf relations.
Additionally, the discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between Gulf media institutions in response to the rapid advancements in digital media and artificial intelligence. The ministers underscored the role of official media in raising public awareness, disseminating accurate information, and showcasing the region’s developmental achievements.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of coordinated Gulf media initiatives to address emerging digital challenges, protect shared interests, and foster stronger ties among the peoples of the GCC member states. This move by Oman reflects a broader regional effort to tackle the complexities of modern media landscapes while safeguarding cultural and social integrity.