A recent discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and fake news took place at the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, highlighting the launch of the AI4Debunk project. Organized by Euractiv-Bulgaria as part of a broader initiative funded by Horizon Europe, AI4Debunk aims to tackle the increasing prevalence of disinformation within the media landscape. The project is set to last four years and encompasses an international consortium from eight countries, currently in its inaugural year, focusing on developing effective tools to combat fake news.
Kalina Angelova, a junior journalist and translator at Euractiv-Bulgaria, articulated the project’s primary goal: creating a public-access technological tool designed to assess news stories for credibility. One of the key challenges addressed is accessibility, ensuring that the technology can be easily utilized not just by media professionals but by everyday users, students, and even children. Angelova explained that the tool will offer insights such as a “falsity percentage” on news articles and similarities to previously identified fake news, responding to the evolving nature of disinformation in which news is rarely entirely false but often contains misleading information. She emphasized the project’s significance in the realm of AI and misinformation, particularly the ability to analyze images and videos within the context of fake news.
The event facilitated a rich discourse on the expectations surrounding AI4Debunk. Georgi Gotev, publisher of Euractiv-Bulgaria, underscored the media’s responsibility in accurately informing the public while tackling the challenges posed by misinformation. Both Gotev and Angelova highlighted that the project will heavily rely on fact-checking methodologies to ascertain the authenticity of various news pieces. This aspect is especially crucial as the media continues to adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment where misinformation can easily proliferate.
The project consortium is notably diverse, comprising universities, research organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, industry representatives, and public companies. Notably, Internews Ukraine and Euractiv-Bulgaria are key members, while the University of Latvia leads the initiative. This collaboration across various sectors aims to leverage a multifaceted approach to disinformation, recognizing that combating fake news requires a collective effort from different stakeholders.
During the discussion, attendees voiced their personal experiences and perspectives on misinformation and the role of AI in combating it. Many expressed optimism about the potential impact of AI4Debunk in creating awareness and developing tools that empower individuals to critically assess the information they encounter daily. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by fake news.
As AI4Debunk moves forward, its success will hinge on the collaboration and innovation of its consortium members. By prioritizing accessibility, incorporating robust fact-checking methods, and fostering awareness among users, the project aims to effectively combat the threats of misinformation and ensure that reliable information prevails in public discourse. The initiative not only symbolizes Bulgaria’s position within the European framework addressing disinformation but also represents a commitment to harnessing technology for social good.
