Fact-checking becomes essential. Disinformation campaigns swarm on social networks and digital platforms. In particular the approach of elections. In the viewfinder: political leaders to be discredited, public debates to weaken, and hate speeches to amplify. Côte d'Ivoire, far from being an isolated case in Africa, is summoned from this scourge.
Apply measures to false accounts and false media
Meta, the Facebook and Instagram parent company, like other large technology companies, track " inauthentic coordinates ". A series of initiatives leads him to create his "virtual operational center". He has data experts, igenieurs and lawyers. Its objective: to detect false accounts which are intended to influence public opinion. One of his reports has just highlighted a new duperie maneuver in Africa. A maneuver whose roots reflect a phenomenon of global and old manipulation.
If we take the case of Burkina Faso, false accounts are pinned for having reproduced, almost identically, legitimate media, in order to publish partisan content. Meta realizes news stories and positive comments on the transitional government. These come from a false group of accounts, already detected in 2021! The work of "love our Africa", a so -called Ivorian NGO with multiple ramifications, from funding or doubtful.
Meta therefore deletes 134 Facebook accounts and 20 Instagram accounts. Evil is already done: 70,000 people are subscribing!
The usefulness of sources verification measures and to be formed
It must be remembered. In Cote d'Ivoire, the actors of the digital press combine within a network of online press professionals (Repproprelci). One of the missions leads to the implementation of a platform accessible to all: ivoirecheck.com. Inspired, many editors, they even offer a section dedicated to Fact Checking on their site.
But among professionals, to detect false information, nothing better than training. On this subject, there is no shortage of initiatives. A school was born in Angré Château, Abidjan, 100% free. In general, critical thinking, crossing of sources and the use of tools are proof. In the case of authentication of a photo or video, just consult Google Images, Yandex, Tineye, Bing, Invid Weverify, etc. Each Ivorian can adopt this practice.
In the absence of a method, legislation applies
Ivroirian public AIP-establishment -like many others, sets a guideline. In the event of an alert on social networks and on websites, the drafting proceeds to verifications of sources and information accuracy before any publication. In the event of a person or an institution, each stakeholder is contacted to collect the opinions. This makes it possible not to mislead readers, recalls, recently, its deputy editor Mamadou Traoré.
As a reminder, in Côte d'Ivoire, the verification of facts and education in the media becomes everyone's business. The legislation, adopted on January 31, 2023, subjects a legal framework almost similar to the media, influencers, bloggers and activists from social networks with more than 25,000 subscribers. In the event of offenses (incitement to hatred, public provocation, etc.), the accused risk up to a year of imprisonment and a fine of 10,000,000 CFA francs.
The devastating phenomenon of disinformation emanate from foreign states which adds a little more complexity. Also, before disseminating viral information, the rule to follow is especially that of common sense.
