Global Disinformation Summit to Tackle Evolving Threats, Including Wartime Disinformation and AI-Fueled Scams
The fifth annual Global Disinformation Summit, slated for September 17-18, will confront the increasingly complex landscape of disinformation, focusing on its role in warfare, its connection to online scams, and the specific challenges presented by the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly Brazil. This free, online event will feature simultaneous translation in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, marking a new level of accessibility and a strategic partnership with the Brazilian fact-checking organization, Lupa. Experts from over 40 countries will convene to discuss, analyze, and strategize against the growing threat of misinformation.
Brazil Takes Center Stage as Disinformation Battlefield
Lupa’s tenth anniversary coincides with Brazil’s increasing prominence in the global disinformation conversation. The nation’s large population, its status as a major social media market, and its leading role in regulatory efforts make it a crucial case study. The summit will feature panels dedicated to Brazilian disinformation issues, including the use of advanced AI and the looming 2026 presidential election, predicted to be a hotbed of misinformation. This focus on Brazil underscores its importance in understanding and combating the spread of false narratives.
Disinformation as a Weapon of War: Understanding Foreign Interference
The summit will also break new ground by addressing the use of disinformation as a tool of war. Panels will dissect Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), exploring how foreign actors leverage manipulated information to influence public opinion, sow discord, and justify military actions. These sessions aim to equip journalists with the knowledge and investigative skills needed to identify, analyze, and report on FIMI operations, a critical aspect of covering modern conflicts.
The Surprising Link Between Disinformation and Online Scams
Beyond the political and military realms, the summit will delve into the alarming connection between disinformation and online scams. Lupa’s research reveals a dramatic rise in the use of misinformation to perpetrate financial fraud and data theft, particularly in Brazil. A dedicated panel will explore this nexus, featuring experts on online scams and representatives from the Brazilian Attorney General’s Office, highlighting the growing need for cross-sector collaboration to combat this emerging threat.
Empowering Fact-Checkers with AI-Powered Tools and Global Collaboration
The summit will feature the unveiling of the Global Fact-Check Chatbot, a multilingual AI tool developed by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). This innovative resource will empower fact-checkers worldwide to verify information more efficiently, streamlining their work and enhancing their ability to debunk false narratives. Initially available to fact-checkers, the chatbot is ultimately intended for public use, providing citizens with a valuable tool to navigate the information landscape. This initiative showcases the potential of AI to be a powerful ally in the fight against disinformation.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Research and Collaboration to Counter a Relentless Enemy
Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of disinformation, the summit organizers emphasize the need for ongoing global collaboration. Future editions will aim to broaden participation, including academics and technology professionals, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to tackling this complex challenge. A special fund dedicated to disinformation research, with an initial focus on Latin America, will be announced at the summit, signaling a commitment to supporting innovative projects and scaling successful initiatives to a wider audience. This investment in research underscores the understanding that disinformation is a persistent and evolving threat requiring sustained, collaborative efforts. The abandonment of information verification initiatives by major social media platforms like Facebook and X further complicates the landscape, highlighting the crucial role of independent fact-checking organizations and initiatives like the Global Disinformation Summit in safeguarding the integrity of information in the digital age.
