UAE develops AI-powered system to track media misinformation

Dubai: The International Centre for Combating Media Disinformation (ICCMD) is developing an advanced AI-powered system to monitor, analyse and verify digital media content as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against misinformation.

The initiative was announced alongside the launch of the International Charter for Media Integrity and Combating Disinformation at the ICCMD board’s first meeting, held virtually and chaired by Issa Al Shayji.

The system will monitor digital content and analyse keywords, topics and media narratives, while tracking how content spreads and identifying emerging trends and indicators.

It will combine artificial intelligence with professional expertise to support data analysis and content verification and improve the speed and efficiency of monitoring potentially misleading information.

Alongside the technology initiative, ICCMD launched an international charter aimed at creating a global network of media organisations and professional, academic and research institutions committed to common principles covering media integrity, verification and professional responsibility.

Al Shayji said combating misinformation required cross-border cooperation among media, professional and academic institutions, alongside investment in modern technologies capable of identifying and analysing patterns of misleading content.

Sultan Al Hosni, ICCMD Secretary-General, said the centre was developing an integrated digital platform to support monitoring, analysis and verification of media and online content.

Fadheela Al Muaini, the centre’s Vice-Chair for GCC Affairs, said tackling misinformation was no longer the responsibility of media organisations alone.

“Professional and trusted media is the first line of defence against misinformation,” she said, adding that GCC countries could draw on their media expertise and institutions to help shape a more credible digital and media landscape.