AI's Role in Combating Disinformation in West Africa: A Strategic Approach

Published Date: 05/07/2024

Stakeholders from civil society, media, and state institutions will convene in Lagos to discuss the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and information manipulation in West Africa.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are organizing the Second West Africa Conference on Countering Information Manipulation from July 9 to 11, 2024, in Lagos. The conference, funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to bring together stakeholders from across the region to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and develop collaborative strategies to address the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and other forms of information manipulation.

With the rise of disinformation, hate speech, and information manipulation, the conference comes at a critical time. Disinformation has been shown to undermine the civic will, electoral processes, and trust in democratic institutions. The conference will provide a platform for scholars and practitioners to reflect on the threats posed by disinformation and share best practices and collaborative strategies to effectively counter it.

The event will focus on regional experiences in countering information manipulation in elections and transition contexts, the role of Artificial Intelligence in this field, the changing role of technology platforms and tools, and the impact of information manipulation on women and marginalized communities. Keynote speakers and panelists will explore topics such as the tactics used to spread misinformation and disinformation, the role of Artificial Intelligence in combating and creating disinformation, and the targeting of marginalized communities by harmful informational campaigns.

The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, share case studies, and learn from experts who are directly addressing disinformation and hate speech in the region. The hybrid format of physical and online attendance will allow a broad spectrum of participants to join the deliberations.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote democracy, good governance, and human rights in West Africa. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a non-profit organization that works to promote democracy and democratic values worldwide. Global Affairs Canada is the Canadian government's department responsible for foreign policy and international development.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) is a non-profit organization that promotes democracy, good governance, and human rights in West Africa.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a non-profit organization that promotes democracy and democratic values worldwide.

Global Affairs Canada is the Canadian government's department responsible for foreign policy and international development.

FAQS:

Q: What is the focus of the Second West Africa Conference on Countering Information Manipulation?

A: The conference will focus on regional experiences in countering information manipulation in elections and transition contexts, the role of Artificial Intelligence, and the impact of information manipulation on women and marginalized communities.

Q: Who are the organizers of the conference?

A: The conference is organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) with funding support from Global Affairs Canada.

Q: What is the format of the conference?

A: The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, and will be held in a hybrid format with physical and online attendance.

Q: What is the goal of the conference?

A: The goal of the conference is to bring together stakeholders from across the region to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and develop collaborative strategies to address the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and other forms of information manipulation.

Q: How can I participate in the conference?

A: You can register to participate in the conference by clicking the link provided on the conference website.

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