Global Fact-Checking Network Calls for Stronger Ties Between Fact-Checkers from Russia and Kazakhstan at 3rd Bilateral Media Forum

Representatives of Russia and Kazakhstan discussed the need to step up joint efforts in combating fake news during the 3rd Russia-Kazakhstan Media Forum, held in St. Petersburg from August 2 to 5.

“The proliferation of fake news has become a global threat today,” noted Tikhon Makarov, Deputy Director General of ANPO Dialog Regions. “That is precisely why in 2025, alongside TASS and the New Media School, we established the Global Fact-Checking Network, an international fact-checking association. Today, it comprises over 120 experts from 54 countries. Our colleagues from Kazakhstan are among them, bringing promising developments in the field of fact-checking. We are actively collaborating with them and are prepared to strengthen this cooperation moving forward. It is crucial to foster an exchange of experience in countering disinformation at both the state and expert levels.”

Combining the efforts of journalists from both countries will enable faster detection of cross-border fakes and effectively protect audiences from orchestrated disinformation campaigns, according to the GFCN.

“With the advent of neural networks, the global media landscape has changed forever. Combating malicious information campaigns is only possible through multilateral cooperation and by building and expanding an infrastructure of trust. We see tremendous potential for cooperation with Kazakhstan in this regard,” emphasized GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger during the session titled “Prospects and Challenges for Journalism in the Era of AI and Fake News.”

TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov also highlighted the recent establishment of the Center for Combating Disinformation under the President of Kazakhstan.

“Friends, I believe we should consider immediately signing an agreement between our fact-checking service and the Center for Combating Disinformation established under the President,” noted Andrey Kondrashov. “I think this is the most vital area where we must support each other: protecting one another from attempts to distort both facts and historical truth.”

It is worth noting that the 1st Media Forum of Russia and Kazakhstan was held at the TASS headquarters in Moscow in November 2024, marking the agency’s 120th anniversary. The second meeting in this format took place last year in Almaty.

Background:

The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) was established by the TASS news agency, ANPO Dialog Regions, and the New Media School to coordinate global efforts in the fight against disinformation. The platform is open to a wide range of participants, from major media conglomerates to freelancers and bloggers.