ICIR Opens Applications For AI Misinformation Countering Project

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has announced the commencement of applications for its “Countering AI-enhanced Misinformation in Nigeria” project.

In a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the organisation invited applications from journalists, social media influencers, and civil society actors. The project aims to combat the spread and influence of AI-enhanced misinformation in Nigeria by fostering media literacy and promoting responsible information sharing.

The application window runs from December 3 to 21, 2024, and the programme will train 120 selected participants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

According to the statement, the project will include a two-day AI literacy workshop to equip participants with skills to detect and counter AI-driven misinformation. The training will focus on fostering responsible information dissemination and mitigating the negative impact of misinformation on society.

Participants will also contribute to the formation of a Rapid Response Team that will collaborate with the ICIR project team to identify and tackle AI-enhanced misinformation during the project’s duration.

Other components of the initiative include In-depth research on the August 2024 End Bad Governance protest in Nigeria, a radio programme series, and media publications.

The ICIR emphasised that applicants must have experience or knowledge of Nigeria’s misinformation and disinformation ecosystem and its societal impacts. The organisation also assured that disability would not be a barrier for qualified candidates.