AI-Powered Mis/Disinformation Detection for El Salvador

Developing an AI-powered algorithm to detect and counteract mis/disinformation in El Salvador, enhancing public discernment of truth and fostering a more informed society. In this 8-week challenge, you will join a collaborative team of 50 AI engineers from all around the world.

The problem

The problem of mis/disinformation, a critical issue in the digital age, centers around the widespread dissemination of false or misleading information, which significantly influences public opinion and decision-making processes. This phenomenon not only disrupts social harmony but also undermines democratic processes and erodes public trust in key institutions. The sociopolitical impact is profound, leading to increased political polarization, and in some cases, inciting civil unrest. On a psychological level, the constant exposure to conflicting information creates public confusion and anxiety, eroding social cohesion.

Economically, mis/disinformation can lead to poor investment decisions, financial losses, and resource misallocation. In the realm of public health, especially evident during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, it poses significant risks by spreading false health remedies and undermining official health advisories. The rise of digital media exacerbates the issue, challenging the integrity of journalistic practices and overwhelming the public with an overload of information. Furthermore, the problem extends beyond national borders, with global misinformation networks complicating counteraction efforts. This situation reflects a global challenge, necessitating the development of an AI-powered detection algorithm to mitigate these impacts, aiming to uphold the integrity of information and promote a more informed, resilient society.

Mis/disinformation has emerged as a significant issue in recent times, influencing public opinion and decision-making at various levels. The widespread dissemination of false or misleading information disrupts social harmony and undermines democratic processes. In response to the growing challenge of mis/disinformation in El Salvador, this project aims to develop an AI-driven solution specifically tailored to the local community. The goal is to effectively detect and counter false or misleading information using advanced AI techniques and collaborative efforts. This initiative is crucial for preserving social harmony, maintaining public trust in institutions, and upholding democratic processes.

The project goals

The primary goal is to develop a reliable AI tool that can efficiently identify and mitigate the spread of mis/disinformation within El Salvador. This tool aims to safeguard the integrity of information disseminated among the public, thus fostering a well-informed community. 

The objectives of this AI Innnovation Challenge are:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather datasets from local news sources, social media, and public records to understand the patterns of mis/disinformation.
• AI Model Development: Develop an AI algorithm for identifying mis/disinformation, involving training with collected data and ongoing refinement.
• User Interface Design: Create an accessible and intuitive interface for user interaction with the AI tool.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local community leaders, government entities, and NGOs to ensure the tool meets the specific needs of El Salvador.
• Testing and Iteration: Conduct pilot tests and iterative improvements based on feedback.
• Deployment: Launch the tool for public use and monitor its performance and impact.

Why join? The uniqueness of Omdena AI Innovation Challenges

A collaborative experience you never had in your working life! For the next eight weeks, you will not only build AI solutions to make a real-world impact but also go through an entire data science project lifecycle. This covers problem scoping, data collection, and preparation, as well as modeling for deployment.

And the best part is that you will join a global and collaborative team of changemakers. Omdena AI Challenges are not a competition or hackathon but a real-world project that will take your experience of what is possible through collaboration to a new level.

Find more information on how an Omdena project works