Digital Technology and the Challenge of Misinformation: Efforts to Improve Literacy in Indonesia

Yogyakarta, INTI – Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics (Wamenkominfo) Nezar Patria emphasized the importance of ethics and responsibility in the utilization of digital technology in this modern era. In his scientific speech at the Graduation Ceremony of the Bachelor and Applied Bachelor Programs Period II at the Yogyakarta Multi Media School (STMM) on Wednesday (07/10/2024), Nezar outlined five fundamental principles that must be upheld to ensure ethics in the use of digital technology.

Ethical Principles in the Use of Digital Technology

According to Nezar, these five principles are:

1. Principle of Justice: The use of technology must be humane and non-discriminatory.
2. Principle of Autonomy: Prioritizing a human-centric approach in the use of digital technology and data.
3. Principle of Beneficence: Digital technology should be used to provide benefits for individuals and society.
4. Principle of Non-Maleficence: Emphasizing the importance of worthiness and risk-based assessment.
5. Principle of Transparency: The use of technology must be accountable.

Nezar Patria stressed that the application of these ethical principles is crucial for optimizing the utilization of digital resources. He also highlighted global initiatives such as the Mediawise Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN), which involves Generation Z in combating misinformation through digital literacy. TFCN has successfully produced fact-checking videos with a viewership of 12 million over four years and conducted digital literacy-based journalism during the 2022 Brazil Elections.

Efforts to Improve Digital Literacy

Nezar encouraged graduates of STMM Yogyakarta to enhance digital literacy as an effort to support the creation of a healthy digital space and responsible use of technology. Digital literacy is considered important not only for increasing technology adoption but also for providing job access, improving digital inclusion, and accelerating human resource development capable of using technology ethically and productively.

Since 2017, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has initiated the National Digital Literacy Movement (GNLD) to enhance public proficiency in utilizing digital technology. This movement focuses on four pillars of digital literacy: digital skills, digital safety, digital culture, and digital ethics.

Support from the Minister of Communication and Informatics

In a video recording, Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi congratulated the graduates of STMM Yogyakarta. According to him, this graduation ceremony is a moment of celebration for the success, hard work, and dedication of the graduates. Budi Arie hopes that the knowledge gained will benefit individuals, families, communities, the nation, and the country. He also emphasized the importance of spirit and determination to face future challenges.

The Challenge of Misinformation

Nezar Patria also highlighted the major challenge posed by technology based on machine learning and software bots supported by social media. This technology has the potential to increase the production and dissemination of misinformation widely. Therefore, it is important to prioritize ethics and responsibility in the digital space to ensure optimal and positive impacts for society.

Invitation to Attend INTI 2024

In supporting the development of technology and innovation, an invitation to attend the Indonesia Technology and Innovation 2024 (INTI 2024) exhibition at JI-EXPO, Jakarta, on August 12-14, 2024, is highly relevant. INTI 2024 is the largest technology and innovation exhibition in Indonesia, and more information can be accessed through this link.

Improving digital literacy in Indonesia is a crucial step in facing the challenges of the digital era. By applying ethical principles in the use of technology and promoting digital literacy, it is hoped that the community will be wiser and more responsible in using digital technology. Government support, through initiatives such as GNLD, forms an essential foundation for achieving this goal.