Youcef Chenaoui, Researcher and Director at EPAU El Harrach: 'The Absence of Control in the Digital Realm Puts Heritage in Peril'

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every sector, the preservation of cultural heritage demands urgent attention. As highlighted in our interview with researcher Youcef Chenaoui, the rapid advancement of digital technologies, while offering new avenues for documentation and dissemination, also presents significant risks if not managed properly.

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the absence of control in the digital realm puts heritage in peril.

Chenaoui's concerns, articulated during his conference and subsequent discussion, center on the absence of adequate control mechanisms in the digital realm. This oversight, he argues, leaves Algeria's rich cultural and historical patrimony vulnerable to misinformation and the creation of "false heritage." The digitization process, if unregulated, could lead to the distortion or even loss of authentic cultural assets.

He stresses the importance of establishing a robust regulatory framework to govern the act of digitization. This framework, he believes, should complement the existing national digitization strategy and its associated projects, such as the creation of digital portals for cultural heritage. Without clear guidelines, the potential benefits of digitalization for documentation and archiving may be overshadowed by the risks of inaccurate or fabricated content.

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We must seek to strengthen the link between cultural heritage and digital imagery.

From the perspective of El Watan, Chenaoui's insights are particularly relevant for Algeria as it seeks to leverage its cultural wealth. The potential revival of the Biennale of Tipasa, an event that historically brought together specialists in archaeology, history, and image, is seen as a promising opportunity. However, as Chenaoui emphasizes, such initiatives must be grounded in a solid digital strategy that prioritizes authenticity and control. Our publication believes that embracing digital innovation while safeguarding our heritage is crucial for Algeria's cultural future.

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the recommendations must be completed by a regulatory framework that must manage the act of digitizing, so as not to leave it to the risks of the production and dissemination of false information and then create a false heritage.