Misinformation and Disinformation

The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in Africa has impacted countless lives, weakened democracies, and undermined efforts to defend human rights. The problem stands to worsen as new technologies render information and media increasingly vulnerable to manipulation. What does this challenge look like on the ground, and how are journalists and activists preparing? AFROFILES spoke with Nkem Agunwa, the Africa Project Coordinator at WITNESS, an international human rights organization that provides research, resources and training to human rights advocates using video and technology. We discuss the state of misinformation and disinformation in Africa, as well as some findings from the recent West Africa Cross-Disciplinary Convening on Misinformation and Disinformation hosted by WITNESS in Abuja. The report from the West Africa Convening can be found here.