Lebanon Launches “No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again” Campaign to Combat Disinformation

In a joint effort, Lebanon’s Ministry of Information, UNESCO, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have launched a nationwide media and information literacy campaign titled “No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again.” This initiative is part of a broader Strategic Tripartite Partnership aimed at promoting media literacy and strengthening public resilience against misinformation and hate speech.

The campaign will be broadcast nationwide on television and digital platforms, featuring a central awareness video and a series of short clips where prominent Lebanese figures—including national basketball captain Amir Saoud, Miss Lebanon 2022 Yassmina Zeytoun, journalist Rayan Hayek, and TV host Raneem Bou Khzam—share personal reflections on media literacy. These testimonies, alongside interviews with ordinary citizens, highlight the real-world impact of misinformation and emphasize the need for critical thinking in today’s digital environment.

A capacity-building component supports media professionals by providing fact-checking and video reporting training to journalists and correspondents from the National News Agency, supported by new technical equipment. The initiative aims to uphold accuracy, transparency, and accountability in journalism.

Lebanon’s Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, stressed that combating disinformation requires education, rebuilding public trust, and fostering a culture of verification, beyond fact-checking alone. He called on media institutions, the state, civil society, and the public to unite in this national struggle.

UNESCO’s Regional Director Paolo Fontani highlighted the campaign as a concrete step toward safeguarding truth amid digital information overload. OIF’s Middle East Representative Lévon Amirjanyan emphasized empowering local actors to build trust and elevate responsible journalism.

The campaign embodies a commitment to creating a safer, more informed media landscape in Lebanon, encouraging citizens to critically evaluate information before sharing.