Fact checking training for Tunisian journalists and researchers focusing on the presidential elections 2024

 

 

 

Arabi Facts Hub (AFH) held a training workshop on fact-checking related to the 2024 Tunisian presidential elections. The training covered methodologies and tools to assist journalists and fact-checkers from Tunisia, taking place between July 29 and August 11, in partnership with BN Tunisia Check and Digital Action.

The workshop was led by expert trainers in disinformation detection and digital policies, aiming to enhance participants’ skills in countering disinformation related to elections and utilizing effective digital tools for election monitoring.

The training sessions addressed methodologies and tools for verifying election-related content on social media platforms, investigating coordinated digital campaigns, fact-checking official statements, and analyzing funded advertisements containing political content.

Training Program for Tunisian Journalists and Fact-Checkers on Information Verification and disinformation Detection

1- Tools and Methodology for Analyzing disinformation: 

Trainer Ahmed Ashour, an investigative journalist and fact-checking expert, introduced the fact-checking methodology and tools, from selection criteria to monitoring processes and the essential verification components.

2- Investigating Unauthentic Digital Campaigns:

Trainer Mohamed Kassab, an expert in open-source investigations and journalism, focused on uncovering Inauthentic digital campaigns, trend manipulation, public opinion influencing or deceiving, and identifying the actors behind these campaigns.

3- Cyber Harms:

Expert trainer Mona Shateyah, highlighted the various Digital harms faced by individuals during critical periods, such as elections and conflicts in different countries.

4- Methodology for Fact-Checking Political Statements:

Experts in disinformation detection, Layal Benham and Hussein El- Sherif, presented methodologies and tools for verifying political statements made by officials and influencers, Also revealing common misleading claims attributed to them during election periods.

5- Methodology for Fact-Checking Sponsored Ads: 

Fact-checking Pioneer Craig Silverman, facilitated a session on verifying paid advertisements across different platforms, and understanding their role in influencing public opinion and spreading Disinformation.

6- Methodology for Data Misinformation Detection: 

Data journalism expert, Maha Salah El-Din, addressed tools for identifying digital Quantitative data and Statistics, taken out of context, as well as detecting potential disinformation behind the use of infographics.

7- Mechanisms for Detecting Misinformation: 

Fact-checking expert, Rabab Elwy, covered mechanisms for revealing disinformation using digital, visual, and AI-powered tools, to keep pace with technological advancements and leverage artificial intelligence.

Arabi Facts Hub (AFH) concluded its training program for journalists and fact-checkers on disinformation coverage related to the Tunisian elections.