Advocacy Series Webinar 2025

Kuala Lumpur, 24 August 2025 – The ASEAN Youth Advocates Network, in partnership with Talang Dalisay, organised the third session of the ASEAN Youth Month (AYM) 2025 Advocacy Series Webinar titled “Stop the Cap: How Fake News Threatens ASEAN’s Stability.” Balqis Maesara, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, spoke on how misinformation and disinformation threaten human security and youth resilience in the digital era.

The discussion examined how fake news spreads rapidly through everyday online spaces such as memes, chats, and short videos, making it appear casual and believable. Participants learned how algorithms and social media echo chambers accelerate the virality of misinformation, while new technologies like generative AI and AI-driven bots amplify manipulation. 

INITIATE.MY shared their work on how extremist groups use AI to spread propaganda, noting how the technology accelerates and personalises misinformation. The discussion explored how fake news circulates rapidly through memes, chats, and short videos, making false content appear casual and believable. Participants examined how algorithms and echo chambers amplify these narratives, while AI-generated deepfakes, videos, and memes blur the line between truth and fiction—turning legitimate causes into emotionally charged narratives that glorify violence and normalise hostility.

Speakers highlighted the growing vulnerability of young people, who are not only the most active social media users but also key targets of misinformation campaigns. Through real-life examples from Malaysia and neighbouring ASEAN countries, the session illustrated how false narratives can escalate local incidents into communal conflicts and erode public trust in institutions.

The conversation linked these challenges to broader human security concerns—showing how disinformation threatens political stability, fuels fear and division, and undermines dignity and democratic governance.

Participants also explored practical solutions: improving fact-checking habits, using digital verification tools like Google Lens, MyCheck (Malaysia), and CekFakta (Indonesia), and engaging responsibly with online platforms by understanding their content moderation systems as well as existing ASEAN frameworks.

The session concluded by reaffirming the crucial role of youth as defenders of truth and digital resilience under the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda. It called for stronger media literacy education and creative, youth-led campaigns to promote fact-checking culture across the ASEAN region.

Balqis Maesara from INITIATE.MY presenting at the ASEAN Youth Month 2025 session “Stop the Cap: How Fake News Threatens ASEAN’s Stability,” sharing insights on misinformation, human security, and youth resilience in the digital era.