**Russia Advocates for Development of Independent Digital Platforms Among SCO Members**
In a recent call to action, Russia has urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to prioritize the development of their own digital platforms in an effort to reduce reliance on Western media giants. This appeal was made during an SCO media forum held in Kyrgyzstan, where officials and media representatives gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of digital media.
The SCO, which includes member states such as China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, has been increasingly focused on enhancing cooperation among its members in various sectors, including media and information technology.
Ekaterina Larina, an official from Russia's Digital Development Ministry, highlighted the significant influence that Western media platforms have over global audiences. She warned that this influence can be leveraged to shape public opinion and control information dissemination. "All SCO countries one way or another enter negotiations with global platforms, trying to reach certain agreements on rules," Larina noted. However, she emphasized that a crucial aspect of ensuring information security lies in the development of indigenous resources and platforms.
The forum, organized by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, attracted around 100 delegates, including government officials, media executives, and digital platform representatives from various SCO member states. The event served as a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digitalization of media, the integration of artificial intelligence in journalism, and the increasing role of online platforms in shaping how news is consumed.
Kyrgyz Culture Minister Mirbek Mambetaliev addressed the gathering, advocating for stronger collaboration among SCO media outlets. He expressed the belief that fostering closer ties could lead to the establishment of a shared information space grounded in trust and partnership. Such cooperation is seen as vital in countering the dominance of Western media and promoting a more balanced representation of information.
Discussions at the forum also included exploring joint media initiatives and strategies for broader cooperation among SCO members as digital technologies continue to reshape the global information landscape. The emphasis on creating independent digital platforms aligns with Moscow's long-standing position that nations should exercise greater sovereignty over their information environments and reduce dependence on foreign-controlled digital infrastructure.
As the digital media landscape evolves, the SCO's commitment to developing its own platforms may signify a shift towards a more self-reliant approach among its member states, potentially altering the dynamics of global media influence. The outcomes of this forum could have lasting implications for how information is shared and consumed within the SCO and beyond.