During the recent Lok Sabha elections in India, a dedicated team of approximately 300 editors, journalists, and fact-checkers formed “Project Shakti,” a collective effort to combat disinformation. Syed Nazakat, founder and CEO of DataLEADS, a New Delhi-based organization, shared insights on this initiative at the International Media Conference held from June 23-26, 2024, in Manila, Philippines.
Speaking on the panel titled “The Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence in the Media,” Nazakat described “Project Shakti” as the largest collaboration between fact-checkers and publishers in India to date. The initiative employed an early warning system to flag potentially viral misinformation, protecting millions of voters during the seven-phase general election from April 19 to June 4, 2024.
Nazakat emphasized the dual nature of AI, highlighting its capacity to both spread and combat disinformation. “Information warfare is happening at an unprecedented scale where everyone is trying to manipulate each other’s thinking,” he said. While AI offers powerful tools for digital searches, data analysis, and content repurposing, it also poses significant threats to democracy by fueling disinformation and propaganda.
The conference, organized by the East-West Center, explored various topics, including data and deep-fakes, influencers and elections, and the hopes and fears surrounding AI in the media. More than 400 journalists and media professionals from 30 countries attended the event at the Philippine International Convention Center, focusing on “The Future of Facts” and the responsible integration of AI into newsrooms.
Panelists discussed the advantages of AI in data analysis and digital searches, noting that news outlets are already benefiting from these technologies. However, they also raised concerns about the lack of accountability from tech companies in curbing disinformation. The role of online influencers in swaying public opinion and the potential erosion of trust in traditional journalism were key points of discussion.
Experts at the conference underscored the importance of human judgment in deploying AI tools to ensure journalistic integrity. They called for careful integration of AI, emphasizing that while AI can enhance newsroom capabilities, it must be managed responsibly to uphold the values of accurate and ethical journalism.
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