During the discussion, participants discussed professional ethics and the responsibilities of journalists and media companies in the context of the digitalization of the information space, as well as ways to counter disinformation and increase audience trust.
AZERTAC deputy chairperson of the Board, Sevinj Abdullayeva, emphasized that data manipulation, out-of-context quotes, and emotional headlines reduce the quality of content and undermine trust in the media: "Journalists have an ethical responsibility to convey the truth, even in genres that do not require personal opinion. It is especially important to intensify contacts between journalists and media organizations in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to raise awareness of processes in our countries and present events in the correct light."
Akramjon Fozilov, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mass Media Foundation, noted that the digital environment has become an integral part of modern life, encompassing communications, work, education, and entertainment. He noted the rise of online threats, including disinformation, cyberbullying, trolling, and the use of deepfake technologies, which increased 16-fold from 2023 to 2025, reaching 8 million cases worldwide. These threats affect not only ordinary users but also businesses and government institutions, posing risks to public trust and the safety of public dialogue.
1news.az Editor-in-Chief Kamala Mammadova emphasized the importance of ethical responsibility in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. She emphasized that the digital environment offers new horizons, but also creates challenges in truthful reporting. According to the editor-in-chief, cooperation between journalists in the two countries allows for the creation of regional educational programs on media literacy, the exchange of experience in personal data protection, and the launch of joint initiatives to counter disinformation and manipulation.
Haydar Khasanov, deputy director of the Ochr("39")zbekiston 24 Creative Association and Chief Producer of the Ochr("39")zbekiston 24 TV and Radio Station, noted that in the face of an endless stream of data, audience trust is becoming the most important "currency" for the media, while fast, splashy headlines donchr("39")t always ensure credibility.
Khasanov shared statistics for Uzbekistan: in January 2025, the number of active social media profiles reached approximately 11.7 million, representing almost a third of the countrychr("39")s population. Instagram is the most popular social network among users, accounting for 59% of the audience. It is followed by Facebook (12%), YouTube (8%), and Twitter (6%).
