By Dare Akogun
FactCheck Africa, an initiative of the Nigeria-based non-profit organisation Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has introduced Africa’s first artificial intelligence-powered fact-checking platform, ‘MyAIFactChecker.’
Launched during a ceremony on Monday, the platform aims to tackle the spread of misinformation and disinformation across the continent.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Abideen Olasupo, the Global Director of BBYDI, said the initiative is a result of of month research with support from BECERA and the U.S state Department nothing that the initiative would revolutionize how Africans verify news and other information online.
Abideen who emphasized the platform’s potential in revolutionizing the verification of news and online information, highlighted its user-friendly interface and cutting-edge AI technology, which enables quick and convenient verification of content authenticity.
“The platform, available in multiple languages including English, Swahili, French, Arabic, and various Nigerian local languages, offers functionalities such as a chatbot interface, feedback mechanism, and voice search capability,” he said.
Olasupo who explain the critical role of MyAIFactChecker in addressing the proliferation of fake news, especially during election periods, and emphasized the importance of access to accurate information as a fundamental right.
Habeeb Adisa, Head of Programmes at FactCheck Africa, elaborated on the platform’s features, including its ability to assess article authenticity and credibility, providing users with reliable information.
Additionally, he said FactCheck Africa has announced the launch of a 3-month AI Journalism Fellowship for journalists in West Africa, aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills and ethical considerations for navigating AI in journalism.
Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, Executive Director of BBYDI, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to leveraging technology solutions to address societal challenges.
She highlighted previous initiatives such as the CivicTech Hackathon, evit.ng, conflictreport.org, and KnowCovid19NG, aimed at promoting civic education, tracking election violence, and providing support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
