Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Friend or Enemy in Combating Disinformation in South Sudan is a presentation by Makur Majeng as a part of a webinar organised by Defyhatenow South Sudan 211 Check project with support from the International Fact-checking Network (IFCN)

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
A Friend or Enemy in Combating
Disinformation in South Sudan
Makur Majeng
October 14, 2023
Presenter

2. Introduction
AI and its applications in addressing disinformation
- AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them
to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as natural
language processing and pattern recognition.
- Disinformation has become a prevalent issue in today's digital age,
particularly in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan.
- Disinformation refers to the deliberate spread of false or misleading
information, often for political, social, or economic gain.

3. AI and its applications in addressing disinformation
- The proliferation of disinformation poses significant challenges to the social
fabric, political stability, and public trust in South Sudan.
- In this presentation, we will explore the potential of AI as both a friend and an
enemy in combating disinformation in South Sudan.
- In addressing this issue, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence
(AI) have shown promise in combatting disinformation.

4. Disinformation in South Sudan
The prevalence of disinformation in South Sudan
In South Sudan, the prevalence of disinformation has become a
serious concern in recent years.
Disinformation refers to the deliberate spreading of false or
misleading information with the intention to deceive or
manipulate individuals or communities.

5. The impact of disinformation on society, elections, and public opinion
The impact of disinformation on South Sudanese society, elections, and public
opinion is widespread. It has the potential to exacerbate existing conflicts, incite
violence, and undermine trust in institutions.
Disinformation campaigns often target sensitive issues like ethnicity, religion,
and political affiliations, amplifying divisions within society.
In elections, disinformation can be used to manipulate public opinion, disrupt
the democratic process, and promote certain candidates or political agendas.
False narratives, fabricated stories, and manipulated media can influence voter
decisions and create a distorted perception of reality.
cont…

6. Examples of recent disinformation campaigns in South Sudan
1. Ethnic incitement: False narratives have been employed to stoke ethnic
tensions and fuel violence between different communities. Disinformation
targeting ethnic groups can provoke retaliatory actions and escalate conflicts.
2. Manipulation during the civil war: The civil war in South Sudan has seen
the use of disinformation to shape public opinion and gain support for different
factions involved in the conflict. Fake news, biased reporting, and propaganda
have been utilized to sway public perception.
3. Social media manipulation: Social media platforms have been utilized as
tools for spreading disinformation. Fake accounts, bots, and trolls are often
used to amplify divisive content, spread rumors, and distort public discourse.

7. The Role of AI in Combating Disinformation
How AI can be utilized in detecting and fighting disinformation
AI can play a crucial role in detecting and combating disinformation by
leveraging its capabilities in analyzing vast amounts of data and
identifying patterns. AI algorithms can be utilized to analyze social media
content and identify misinformation by detecting inconsistencies,
analyzing language patterns, and assessing the credibility of sources.

8. Use of AI algorithms to analyze social media content and identify
misinformation
In the context of combating disinformation on social media, AI can be trained
to recognize patterns of fake news or disinformation by analyzing the content,
the behavior of accounts sharing such content, and the overall network
dynamics. AI algorithms can flag suspicious accounts, identify common
characteristics of disinformation campaigns, and provide insights to social
media platforms and fact-checkers.

9. The potential of AI in detecting deep fakes and manipulated media
One specific area where AI can be vital is in detecting deep fakes and
manipulated media. Deep Fakes are highly realistic audio or video
manipulations that can make it appear as though someone said or did something
they haven't. AI algorithms can be trained to identify digital alterations,
discrepancies in facial or vocal expressions, or anomalies in the way a video or
audio file has been created. This can assist in detecting and exposing deep fake
content, thus reducing the impact of manipulated media on public perception.

10. AI-Generated Disinformation
The potential risks associated with AI-generated disinformation
The emergence of AI-generated disinformation poses significant risks in today's
digital age. AI algorithms can generate highly realistic and convincing content,
making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake information. This
has the potential to undermine trust in media, manipulate public opinion, and
disrupt democratic processes.

11. The emergence of AI-powered deepfakes and their
potential to spread disinformation
One particular concern is the rise of AI-powered deepfakes. Deep Fakes refer to
manipulated videos, images, or audio that appear authentic but are actually
fabricated. AI algorithms can generate deepfakes by superimposing someone's
face onto another person's body or by altering their speech patterns. These
deepfakes can be used to spread false information, create political or social
unrest, and even blackmail individuals.

12. The need to develop AI countermeasures to tackle
AI-generated disinformation
In order to counter the threat of AI-generated disinformation, it is crucial to
develop effective AI countermeasures. One approach is to develop advanced AI
algorithms capable of detecting and flagging deepfakes automatically. This
includes analyzing facial or vocal inconsistencies, detecting manipulation
artifacts, or identifying inconsistencies in lighting or shadows.

13. Conclusion
The potential of AI as a powerful tool in combating disinformation in South
Sudan
AI has the potential to analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns and
trends, and provide real-time monitoring of disinformation campaigns. It can
aid in identifying fake news, identifying sources of disinformation, and
assisting in fact-checking efforts. AI can help in developing early warning
systems and providing policymakers with actionable insights.

14. The need for continued research, development, and regulation of AI in
this context
To effectively combat disinformation, AI should be seen as a complement to
human efforts rather than a replacement. Human expertise and critical thinking
are essential in assessing the context and nuances of disinformation. Therefore,
there is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration between AI experts, policy
makers, researchers, journalists, and civil society organizations to harness the
full potential of AI in combatting disinformation in South Sudan.

15. The end
Questions & Answers
Thanks
Q & A