Jusoor International highlights danger of false information in conflict zones and need to tackle it

GENEVA: Jusoor International for Media and Development, a non-governmental and nonprofit organisation, organised an event on the sidelines of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council entitled "False Information in Conflict Zones." The speakers' interventions stressed the seriousness of the phenomenon and the extent to which false information affects communities, peoples, individuals, and their lives. They also emphasised the need to combat it through measures that deter the spreaders of this type of news, especially in light of the current technological development and the impact of artificial intelligence when used in the field of media. Mohamed Al Hammadi, President of Jusoor International for Media and Development, emphasised the growing threat of false and misleading information in the media. He highlighted the crucial role of media, journalists, and organisations in combating this issue, particularly in verifying information shared on social media to prevent misinformation from distorting facts and undermining credibility. Al Hammadi warned about the detrimental impact of false information on journalism, its credibility, and the potential for turning a just cause into the opposite when widely circulated. Valéria Emília, a human rights lawyer and expert, highlighted the pervasive impact of false information across various sectors, particularly when used in an ethnic or racist context. She emphasised historical instances of such manipulation during World War II and the Cold War, driven by ideological agendas. Emília underscored the role of technology and AI in exacerbating the spread of misinformation, urging media outlets to verify sources diligently. Dr. Viola Krebs, an expert in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, emphasised the danger of false information spreading online to shape public opinion. With AI advancements, distinguishing between real and manipulated content has become increasingly difficult. Krebs urged governments to develop innovative programs to verify and counter misinf ormation, especially in conflict zones where AI is being used as a weapon. It is worth noting that the event, which was held at the Geneva Graduate Institute, was attended by a number of representatives of human rights organisations, civil society organisations, academics, and journalists. Source: Emirates News Agency