Promoting trust in information and reducing disinformation

Context

Disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods with the aim of manipulating public opinion and political decisions. Digital platforms allow for faster, more globalised and cheaper dissemination of disinformation.

Local and global actors and networks also frequently use disinformation campaigns in Africa to exacerbate social polarisation, disrupt democratic interaction and deliberately undermine trust in institutions. Women, ethnic and religious minorities and other disadvantaged groups have been particularly affected by the negative impact of disinformation.

Alongside domestic and geopolitical objectives, disinformation is increasingly driven by economic incentives. Inadequate regulation of the digital space, a lack of skills on the part of government officials and the general public, and a lack of quality journalism all play a role in this respect.

Objective

The handling of disinformation in selected West African countries is improved.

Approach

The project supports central stakeholders in government, civil society and the media in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire to help them improve their response to disinformation. To this end, a whole-of-society approach is used with the aim of including all groups.

The project focuses on four areas:

1. analysis of disinformation flows at national and regional level,
2. creation of fact-based and credible media content,
3. raising awareness among the population and promoting media literacy, for example through creative projects, training and
4. dialogue and peer learning to regulate the information space.

The project does not attempt to control the content of narratives.

It is co-financed by the European External Action Service. Among other actors, the project also collaborates with Deutsche Welle Akademie and Code for Africa, a South African social enterprise.

Last updated: October 2024