A group concerned with socioeconomic development in Africa has launched artificial intelligence (AI)-powered fact-checking platform to counter spread of misinformation and disinformation on the continent.
Speaking at the unveiling of the AI-powered platform, named, ‘MyAIFactChecker’ in Ilorin, the Global Director of a Nigeria-based non-profit organization, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), Abideen Olasupo, said that FactCheck Africa, an initiative of the BBYDI, was launched in 2022 as an independent, non-partisan and non-profit fact-checking platform for Africans.
He said the FactChecker is a demonstration of the organization’s unwavering commitment to combating the scourge of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, to safeguard the integrity of information.
According to him , the platform leverages cutting-edge AI technology, is user-friendly, and allows one to verify the authenticity of news, social media posts, and other online content quickly and conveniently.
Olasupo also said that the innovative platform would provide users with a range of functionalities, including a chatbot interface, feedback mechanism, and voice search capability that is available in english and several popular local languages in Nigeria.
He explained that the launch of MyAIFactChecker comes at a critical time, as the proliferation of disinformation and harmful content continues to pose significant threats to the integrity of elections, democracy, public health, and stability in African nations.
Olasupo noted that the impact of fake news and disinformation on elections could not be waved, adding that his organisation’s newly introduced AI fact-checking would help combat the spread of disinformation in African nations preparing to hold elections this year.
Earlier in his address, the Head of Programmes at FactCheck Africa, Habeeb Adisa, said the introduction of the innovative AI solution represents a significant advancement in its stride to fight the dissemination of fake news that continues to undermine societal trust and cause discord among people.
He also disclosed that FactCheck Africa had launched a 3-month AI Journalism Fellowship for journalists in West Africa.
In a remark , the Executive Director of the Initiative Nura Jimoh, stated that the unveiling of the FactChecker reinforced the commitment of the organisation to leverage tech solutions and digital tools to address societal challenges.
COV/ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
