The government press conference, which is organized periodically by the Ministry of Media, kicked off this afternoon (Monday) in the capital, Riyadh, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote effective government communication and to inform local and international public opinion about the most prominent national developments and achievements within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

This conference is of particular importance given the vital issues it addresses, hosting Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari, and President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi. This ministerial gathering reflects the integration among government entities in providing services and developing digital and social infrastructure.

Transformation in the third sector and the housing system

At the outset of the conference, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail will address the radical transformation of the third sector (the non-profit sector) within the municipalities and housing system. This focus is a cornerstone of the Vision's objectives, which aim to increase the non-profit sector's contribution to the GDP. The Minister is expected to highlight developmental housing initiatives and community partnerships that have helped provide housing for the most vulnerable families, and how this sector is being transformed from a welfare-based approach to one focused on development and sustainability.

Transparency and national achievements

For his part, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari will review the Kingdom's most prominent developments and achievements across various sectors. Al-Dossari's remarks come within the framework of enhancing government transparency, as the government press conference serves as a key platform for answering public questions and clarifying facts, thereby strengthening trust between citizens and officials. The Minister will also address the significant strides the Kingdom has recently made in international indicators and major projects.

Artificial intelligence in the service of charitable work

In a related technical session, Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of SDAIA, discusses the role of data and artificial intelligence in enhancing the efficiency of the Ihsan platform. With the approach of Ramadan, the peak of charitable giving, the importance of technology in ensuring donations reach their intended recipients accurately and reliably becomes paramount. SDAIA is leveraging its advanced digital infrastructure to empower charitable work, streamline the donor experience, and ensure the governance of donations, positioning the Kingdom as a leading model in the digitalization of humanitarian work.

This conference reflects the Saudi government’s commitment to the principle of transparency and participation, and highlights the efforts made to improve the quality of life, whether through providing suitable housing or developing digital services that serve the most needy groups in society.

Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation, headed by Engineer Khaled Abdel Aziz, issued a decisive decision to suspend the program "The Secret in the Story" and ban its presenter, Sarah Hadi, from appearing on air until the ongoing investigations are concluded. This decision came as a swift and firm response after the program hosted the accused in the harassment case known in the media as the "Bus Girl" incident, a move considered a serious violation of media and ethical standards.

Details of the Supreme Media Council's decision

The decision mandates that all media outlets subject to the provisions of Law No. 180 of 2018 prohibit the appearance of the program's presenter and the guest accused in the harassment case, especially since the case is still under investigation by the Public Prosecution and no final verdict has been issued. The council affirmed that this prohibition will remain in effect until the Complaints Committee completes its thorough examination of the incident and conducts the necessary investigations to ensure that those responsible for this transgression are held accountable.

Public anger and rejection of media chaos

The episode of the program that hosted the accused sparked a wave of anger and controversy on the Egyptian street and on social media platforms. A wide segment of the public and human rights activists expressed their categorical rejection of this move, considering it a blatant disregard for the feelings of the victim and all victims of harassment. Critics argued that giving a media platform to someone accused in a sensitive morality case before a judicial ruling constitutes a form of unacceptable "reputation whitewashing," and contributes to inflaming public sentiment rather than calming it.

The legal and ethical context of the media

This incident brings to the forefront the issue of professional standards in Egyptian media. The Media Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct prohibit exploiting criminal cases to achieve high viewership (trending) at the expense of societal values. Preempting the Public Prosecution's investigations and hosting defendants in the media to defend themselves before the court proceedings violates the principle of "innocent until proven guilty," but in a manner that harms the victim and influences the course of justice. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation has firmly addressed this issue.

The impact of the decision and its societal importance

The decision to suspend the program carries significant implications that extend beyond mere administrative punishment; it sends a clear message to all media content creators about the necessity of adhering to social responsibility. Given the efforts of the state and civil society to combat harassment and increase penalties for perpetrators, the media's role is to support these efforts, not hinder them. Addressing attempts to "manufacture fame" through moral transgressions is a crucial step in regulating the media landscape and ensuring that media platforms do not become arenas for chaos or the justification of crimes.

In conclusion, many followers demanded that the penalties be deterrent to prevent the recurrence of such professional lapses in the future, stressing that the pursuit of fame should not be a justification for violating the privacy of victims or manipulating public opinion.