Ahmedabad to Host National Conference on ‘Fact-Checking in the Age of AI’
The Ahmedabad Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), in collaboration with Anant National University and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA), is set to host a pivotal national conference titled “Fact-Checking in the Age of AI: Combating Misinformation in a Digital-First World.” Scheduled for July 18 at the Anant National University campus, this day-long event aims to address the escalating threats posed by misinformation and disinformation within an ecosystem increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. By convening a diverse cohort of over 80 delegates—including journalists, policymakers, tech experts, and academics—the conference seeks to establish a collaborative framework for safeguarding information integrity.
The curriculum of the conference is designed to be both comprehensive and forward-looking, featuring a balanced mix of keynote addresses, intensive panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Topics slated for deliberation include the ethics of digital communication, the intricacies of AI-driven media production, and the evolving responsibilities of public relations professionals in the modern age. Organizers have emphasized that the event will serve as a premier national platform to facilitate necessary conversations regarding truth, trust, and institutional accountability, fostering a environment where media literacy and ethical practices can thrive in the face of rapid technological disruption.
A standout component of the event will be the official unveiling of the PRSI National Knowledge Report on “Fact-Checking in the Age of AI.” Authored by research scholar Utsav Jain under the mentorship of Dr. Archana Kumari, an Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Media Studies, the report offers a deep dive into the intersection of AI and information integrity within the Indian context. Furthermore, the conference will mark the launch of the PRSI National Committee on Fact-Checking. This dedicated committee is intended to institutionalize the society’s commitment to ethical communication, providing a permanent structure to bolster societal resilience against the digital spread of false narratives.
Dr. Ajit Pathak, National President of PRSI, framed the conference as a call to communal action. He noted that the credibility of digital information has emerged as one of the most significant challenges for contemporary communication professionals. According to Dr. Pathak, fact-checking is no longer a siloed task reserved for journalists but has instead become a shared imperative for public relations practitioners, academic institutions, and technology firms alike. Through these collaborative dialogues, the PRSI hopes to move beyond theory and foster actionable strategies that prioritize the public interest by championing verified and credible communication channels.
Institutional partners reinforced the necessity of bridge-building between the classroom and the industry. Dr. Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost of Anant National University, highlighted the pivotal role universities play in equipping students and professionals to navigate a volatile digital landscape. Meanwhile, industry experts brought a sense of urgency to the proceedings; Dr. Kashyap Jani, Director of JANI Infotech, pointed out that in life-saving scenarios—such as emergency and disaster management—the speed of AI-generated content can prove dangerous if not properly vetted. He argued that technology must be engineered with inherent safeguards that ensure verified information reaches citizens at the critical moments when it is needed most.
Concluding the outlook on the event, Vicky Shah, Chairman of the PRSI Ahmedabad Chapter, underscored the dual nature of AI’s impact on current communication trends. While acknowledging the innovation and opportunity that artificial intelligence brings to content creation, he also warned of the unprecedented ease with which malicious misinformation can propagate. By bringing thinkers from across the professional spectrum together in Ahmedabad, the conference aims to contribute to a more trustworthy information environment. This gathering is positioned to be more than a one-day workshop; it is designed to be a catalyst for sustained, responsible communication standards in an era defined by constant change.