IGF 2025 WS #246 Combating Disinformation and Rebuilding Trust in the AI Era

    Organizer 1: Civil Society, Intergovernmental Organization
    Speaker 1: Srivastava Surabhi, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Nadim Nashif, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Elena Rodina, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The fishbowl format will allow for a more immersive and dynamic participation for workshop attendees by tapping in and out of the conversation, while also actively driving the conversation into diverse and different perspectives, rather than being passive recipients of information. However, it is important to affirm that the discussion will also be lightly moderated to ensure that the workshop is addressing the key topics as intended.
    Policy Question(s)
    A. How do existing ethical AI regulatory frameworks (such as the EU AI Act) address/fail to address the blind spots in application of ethical AI to media and communications industry? B. What can policymakers learn from local and regional strategies for addressing AI-driven disinformation at a global/universal scale? C. What role can media regulations and policies play in advancing application of ethical AI across diverse media functions?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain the following insights and takeaways from the workshop: Examine AI’s Dual Impact: Understanding how AI technologies both enable and combat disinformation globally. Showcase Best Practices: Learning about successful tools and localized strategies from diverse regions to combat disinformation. Promote Ethical AI Use: Advocating for human rights-aligned, inclusive, and ethical AI practices to protect marginalized groups and enhance media integrity. Foster Collaboration: Encouraging global and cross-sector partnerships among media, tech, civil society, and policymakers to create scalable solutions. Develop Actionable Outcomes: Equipping participants with practical tools, strategies, and recommendations to counter disinformation effectively in their respective contexts.
    SDGs
    Description:

    The proposed workshop, implemented in a fishbowl discussion format, will explore the dual role of AI in perpetuating and combating disinformation, and focusing on global strategies to rebuild trust in (digital) media and internet. The workshop session will feature experts and participants in a dynamic dialogue to address the evolving landscape of disinformation, including insights from featured global experts: Benbere from Mali will discuss localized approaches to combating disinformation in local languages; ElToque from Cuba will present AI-powered tools like “Youth Check” and YouTube strategies for engaging young audiences; RNW Media from the Netherlands will showcase counter-narrative messaging and AI tools to combat gender-focused disinformation; 7amleh from Palestine will highlight Big Tech accountability and tackling disinformation during crises; and ECPMF from Europe will share strategies to counter spoofing techniques and advocacy tools to address disinformation campaigns. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to join the fishbowl dialogue, contributing towards regional perspectives and collaborative solutions. The workshop will conclude with a synthesis of key takeaways, practical strategies, and a call for future cooperation to strengthen global efforts against disinformation. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to counter disinformation effectively, even in the face of evolving algorithmic and platform challenges.
    Expected Outcomes
    Workshop participants will have the opportunity to join the fishbowl dialogue, contributing towards regional perspectives and collaborative solutions. The workshop will conclude with a synthesis of key takeaways, practical strategies, and a call for future cooperation to strengthen global efforts against disinformation. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to counter disinformation effectively, even in the face of evolving algorithmic and platform challenges. Post workshop, we plan to share the insights and learnings on our social media channels, as well as write a joint op-ed, drawing from the learnings from the workshop, about the intersection of media, ethical AI, and (re)building trust in media and internet more broadly.
    Hybrid Format: The workshop will be moderated both online and offline, bridging the fishbowl discussion across the physical and virtual space and to ensure the conversation flows from physical to virtual (and back). Dedicated moderators will guide the discussion to ensure effective participation from participants offline and online. We will also use Menti.com to begin the workshop with an interactive activity, which can be joined by participants both in-person and virtually.