By Emmanuel K. GADASU
As Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections, the political atmosphere is heating up, with parties and candidates gearing up to capture the hearts and minds of voters. However, this period also sees a surge in the spread of political disinformation and misinformation, especially on social media platforms.
These falsehoods, which are often strategically designed to mislead voters and manipulate public opinion, pose a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process. In a nation where social media has become a primary source of information for many, the need to curb the spread of political disinformation and misinformation has never been more urgent.
The problem of political disinformation and misinformation in Ghana
Disinformation and misinformation are not new phenomena in Ghanaian politics. However, with the proliferation of social media, these issues have become more pervasive and harder to control.
Disinformation refers to the deliberate spread of false information with the intent to deceive, while misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of incorrect information. Both can have a devastating impact on the electoral process, leading to voter manipulation, increased political polarization, and even violence.
In the 2020 elections, for instance, Ghana witnessed a surge in the spread of false information, much of it disseminated through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Fake news stories, doctored images, and misleading videos were widely shared, often without verification.
These pieces of content were designed to influence voter perceptions, spread fear, and create confusion. As the 2024 elections approach, there is a growing concern that these tactics will be employed on an even larger scale, threatening the credibility of the electoral process.
The role of technology in combating disinformation and misinformation
While technology has been a vehicle for the spread of disinformation and misinformation, it also holds the key to combating these issues. A combination of advanced technological tools, regulatory measures, and public education can help mitigate the impact of false information on Ghana’s electoral process. Below are some ways in which technology can be leveraged to curb political disinformation and misinformation in the 2024 elections.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are powerful tools in the fight against disinformation. These technologies can be used to detect and flag false information in real-time, preventing it from spreading widely.
AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including text, images, and videos, to identify patterns that indicate disinformation or misinformation. For example, AI can detect inconsistencies in video metadata or unusual patterns in social media activity that may suggest the presence of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
- Fact-checking platforms
Fact-checking platforms play a critical role in verifying information and debunking false claims. In Ghana, several fact-checking organizations, such as GhanaFact and Dubawa, have emerged to address the growing issue of fake news. These platforms work by analysing viral stories, images, and videos to determine their accuracy and provide the public with verified information.
To enhance the effectiveness of these platforms, technology can be used to automate parts of the fact-checking process. For instance, AI-powered tools can be developed to scan social media platforms for trending stories and automatically cross-reference them with credible sources.
This would allow fact-checkers to quickly identify and address false information before it spreads widely. Additionally, partnerships between fact-checking organizations and social media platforms can help ensure that verified information is prominently displayed, while false claims are demoted or removed.
- Social media monitoring tools
Social media monitoring tools are essential for tracking the spread of disinformation and misinformation. These tools can analyse social media platforms in real-time, identifying trends, keywords, and influencers involved in the dissemination of false information. By monitoring social media activity, authorities and civil society organizations can quickly respond to emerging disinformation campaigns.
In Ghana, local authorities, in collaboration with international partners, can deploy social media monitoring tools specifically designed for the Ghanaian context. These tools can be used to monitor not only mainstream platforms like Facebook and Twitter but also messaging apps like WhatsApp, which are widely used in Ghana for sharing information. By identifying and tracking the spread of false information early, authorities can issue timely corrections and warnings to the public, helping to prevent the escalation of disinformation.
- Blockchain technology
Blockchain technology offers a promising solution to the problem of disinformation by providing a decentralized and transparent system for verifying the authenticity of information. Blockchain can be used to create a secure and immutable record of content, including news articles, images, and videos. This would allow users to verify the origin and integrity of information, reducing the risk of falling victim to false content.
In the Ghanaian context, blockchain could be used to create a trusted repository of verified information related to the election. For example, election results, candidate profiles, and official statements could be stored on a blockchain, ensuring that this information is secure and cannot be tampered with. This would provide the public with a reliable source of information and make it more difficult for disinformation to take hold.
- Collaboration with social media platforms
Social media platforms play a central role in the spread of information, and as such, they have a responsibility to combat disinformation and misinformation on their platforms. In recent years, platforms like Facebook and Twitter have implemented measures to address the spread of fake news, such as labelling false content and suspending accounts involved in disinformation campaigns.
For the 2024 elections, Ghanaian authorities and civil society organizations should engage in proactive collaboration with these platforms to ensure that they are doing everything possible to curb the spread of false information.
This could include setting up dedicated teams to monitor election-related content, developing region-specific policies for identifying and addressing disinformation, and providing training to local stakeholders on how to report and respond to false content.
Other means of combating disinformation and misinformation
The following are additional means of combating disinformation and misinformation.
- Public education and digital literacy
Technology alone cannot solve the problem of disinformation and misinformation. Public education and digital literacy are critical components of any strategy to combat these issues. The more informed the public is about how to identify and respond to false information, the less likely they are to be influenced by it.
In Ghana, there is the need for comprehensive digital literacy programs that educate citizens about the dangers of disinformation and how to verify information before sharing it.
These programs should be tailored to different demographics, including young people, rural communities, and older citizens, who may be more susceptible to false information. Schools, universities, and community organizations can play a vital role in delivering these programs, with the support of government agencies and international partners.
Additionally, media organizations have a responsibility to promote accurate reporting and educate the public about the importance of consuming news from credible sources. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and skepticism, Ghana can reduce the impact of disinformation and misinformation on its electoral process.
- Legislative and regulatory measures
While technology provides the tools to combat disinformation, legislative and regulatory measures are needed to create a framework for their effective use. In Ghana, the government has already taken steps to address the issue of fake news through existing laws and regulations. However, as the 2024 elections approach, there may be a need for more specific legislation that addresses the unique challenges posed by political disinformation and misinformation.
For instance, laws could be enacted to hold individuals and organizations accountable for deliberately spreading false information with the intent to influence the election. These laws should be designed to protect freedom of speech while ensuring that there are consequences for those who engage in harmful disinformation practices.
Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the National Communications Authority (NCA) could be empowered to monitor and enforce compliance with these laws, working closely with social media platforms and other stakeholders.
- International cooperation
Disinformation and misinformation are not confined by national borders. In many cases, the false information circulating in Ghana may originate from outside the country or be part of a larger, coordinated campaign. As such, international cooperation is essential in addressing this issue.
Ghana can benefit from partnerships with international organizations, governments, and tech companies to share best practices, resources, and technologies for combating disinformation. This could include participating in global initiatives aimed at addressing the spread of false information, such as the EU’s Code of Practice on Disinformation or the African Union’s efforts to combat fake news on the continent.
Conclusion
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the threat of political disinformation and misinformation looms large. The proliferation of social media has made it easier for false information to spread, posing a serious risk to the integrity of the electoral process. However, by leveraging technology, fostering public education, and enacting robust legislative measures, Ghana can mitigate the impact of these threats.
Artificial Intelligence, social media monitoring tools, blockchain technology, and collaboration with social media platforms are just a few of the technological solutions that can be employed to combat disinformation. At the same time, public education and digital literacy are crucial in empowering citizens to critically evaluate the information they encounter. By taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach, Ghana can safeguard its democracy from the dangers of political disinformation and misinformation, ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in 2024.
Author: Emmanuel K. Gadasu – Data Privacy Consultant
(CEH, CDPS, CIPM, BSc IT, MSc IT and Law, LLB*) | Member, IIPGH.
For comments, contact author via [email protected] or Mobile: +233-243913077
