Artificial Intelligence-generated content deemed indistinguishable from typical user-generated content
Lighting Up the Truth Amidst Fog: Fact-Checking in Modern Russia
In today's digital world, Russia grapples with an escalating wave of political and military disinformation, a concern that's far from abating six months on. This alarming trend has, in fact, intensified, underscoring the ever-growing importance of fact-checking, as perlined by Sergei Maklakov, head of the countering misinformation department at ANO "Dialog Regions."
Recently, the panel discussion "New Technologies of Creative Industries: How to Protect Against Fakes Without Stifling Development" shed light on the latest technological possibilities and challenges for fact-checking. Organized as part of the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) and "Master of New Media" at the Global Digital Forum in Nizhny Novgorod, this event highlighted the pressing need for fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
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Sergei Maklakov's concerns stem from the fact that it's becoming progressively challenging for the average user to distinguish AI-generated content from authentic material. Digital systems, such as the Zephyr system developed by ANO "Dialog Regions," are designed to meet this challenge, boasting an accuracy rate of up to 88%. However, human analysts still bear the ultimate responsibility for making decisions.
Another crucial challenge is the establishment of a reliable system for verifying media information. TASS, one of the first Russian entities to develop fact-checking institutions, attributes its success to a vast network of correspondents located in approximately 62 countries who attend major events to cross-check facts from various sources.
Photo: ANO "Dialog"
The global information landscape is undergoing profound changes, driven by both geopolitical events and technological advancements. Addressing this global conundrum demands a balance between encouraging progress and safeguarding the informational sovereignty of nations. In this emerging multipolar world, prompt action is essential to find solutions that preserve the equilibrium between technological advancement and national information sovereignty. German journalist, writer, and screenwriter Dirk Polman shared his insights on this delicate balancing act:
"During my time as a university student, many international students would express that they felt we knew nothing about them. I've been a journalist for 40 years, and that sentiment hasn't changed. Despite the impressive advancements in technology, in some ways, we've taken a step back."
The fabricators of fake news are increasingly using AI to churn out deepfakes, analyze vast datasets, and exploit informational triggers to make their messages as convincing as possible.
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Unfortunately, specific details regarding Russia's strategy for utilizing AI-based fact-checking solutions like the Zephyr system to combat disinformation are scarce. Instead, Russia appears to be focusing more on disseminating disinformation rather than curbing it. Europe, however, is making significant strides in countering disinformation, implementing a combination of fact-checking initiatives and media literacy programs to strengthen resistance against foreign interference in elections and public discourse.
The panel discussion "New Technologies of Creative Industries: How to Protect Against Fakes Without Stifling Development" showcased the importance of technology in combating disinformation, as highlighted by Sergei Maklakov with the Zephyr system, which demonstrates an accuracy rate of up to 88%.
However, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by fabricators of fake news to produce deepfakes and exploit informational triggers necessitates a continuous evolution in fact-checking technology for effective disinformation countermeasures.
