MBZUAI researchers are studying how AI can be used to combat disinformation and improve news verification during elections, as AI amplifies the volume and speed of fake news. Dilshod Azizov is using machine learning to spot patterns in news that will improve verification, while Preslav Nakov's FRAPPE system identifies persuasive techniques and framing in news articles. FRAPPE uses machine learning and NLP to analyze news presentation and reporting, aiming to help users understand the underlying context of news. Why it matters: This research highlights the potential of AI to both negatively and positively impact democratic processes, emphasizing the need for tools to analyze and verify information in the face of increasing AI-generated disinformation.
A panel discussion hosted by MBZUAI in collaboration with the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue addressed misinformation and its threat to elections. The talk covered the reasons behind the rise of misinformation, citizen perspectives, and the role of social media influencers. Two cases, the Indian general elections of 2024 and the upcoming US presidential elections in November 2024, were used to describe the contours of misinformation. Why it matters: Understanding the dynamics of misinformation, especially through social media influencers, is crucial for safeguarding democratic processes in the region and globally.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov is researching methods to identify and combat the harmful uses of large language models in generating disinformation. He notes that disinformation, unlike fake news, is weaponized with the intent to persuade, not just to lie. His research focuses on the linguistic differences between human-written and machine-generated disinformation, such as the use of rhetorical devices in human propaganda. Why it matters: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, understanding and mitigating its potential for spreading disinformation is critical for maintaining trust and integrity in information ecosystems, especially during major election cycles.
The Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, will give a talk on AI adoption in government. The talk will cover key points related to AI utilization within government organizations. Al Askar has experience managing digital initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Government Services Program (TAMM). Why it matters: This signals the increasing importance of AI in public sector modernization efforts in the UAE and the broader region.