Today, 19 March 2024, researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University of Pretoria (UP) hosts a virtual media briefing to share expert research on the effects of misinformation and fake news during elections.

The virtual media briefing will feature discussions on strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of misinformation by fostering a nuanced understanding of this critical issue. The aim of the media briefing is to empower members of the media, institutions, and the public with the necessary tools to navigate misinformation and discern fact from misinformation.

CSIR’s research group leader in cybersecurity, Dr Zubeida Dawood, will provide expert analysis on the nature of fake news, its detection techniques, and potential impacts, particularly during elections. Professor Vukosi Marivate, from the Data Science for Social Impact research group (DSFSI) at UP, will share insights into leveraging data science as a powerful tool to combat online misinformation. His research focuses on utilising data-driven approaches to aid the public, institutions and media in countering fake news and malicious disinformation, which pose significant threats to social cohesion and trust. Additionally, he will highlight how DSFSI employs cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) as a solution to the phenomenon.

Members of the media are invited to attend as per the event details below:

Date: Tuesday 19 March 2024
Link to Virtual Media Briefing: Teams: http://bit.ly/4ciTBcM
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/_Kjzj7xfL-o?feature=share 

Time: 09:00am-10:30am

For RSVP, please contact Phetolo Phatsibi, the CSIR Media Relations Practitioner.

Email: PPhatsibi@csir.co.za
Contact: 0813968871

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communication

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About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.

For more information, visit www.csir.co.za.

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