A Nigerian AI for Social Good organization, ChatVE, has made an impressive appearance at the recently concluded RightsCon Conference with its innovative AI-powered fact-checking tool designed for X (Twitter).
Led by Israel Olatunji Tijani, ChatVE showcased its pioneering AI-powered fact-checking tools designed to combat misinformation, online radicalization, and toxicity, across digital platforms.
The conference was convened by Access Now with support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) and local partner Open Culture Foundation (OCF).
ChatVE is at the forefront of developing AI-powered fact-checking technology for X (formerly Twitter) and is actively contributing to the global Infotegrity Campaign through its open-source tools for comment moderation, prevention of online radicalization, and reducing digital toxicity.
The selection to participate at RightsCon 2025, the world’s leading conference on human rights in the digital age, came as a recognition of ChatVE’s significant impact on social good initiatives.
The selection process was highly competitive, with over 1,800 proposals submitted from more than 125 countries, with 48 percent coming from first-time applicants, including Tijani himself.
Despite the fierce competition, Tijani’s proposal titled “Decoding Digital Hoaxes: Rebuilding Social Trust in Africa’s Democracy” stood out and secured a coveted spot among the final programs under the in-person tech demo format.
During the showcase, Tijani highlighted the critical role of AI-powered tools in combating the erosion of democracy in Africa, which has been fueled by rampant misinformation and propaganda in the digital era.
He emphasized the growing challenges faced by human fact-checkers who struggle to keep pace with the volume of false information, a situation worsened by algorithmic bias and the proliferation of deepfakes and synthetic media.
“In Africa, particularly in the West African sub-region, the erosion of democracy is exacerbated by the strategic use of mis/disinformation, polarizing the society,” stated Tijani.
He referenced the recent Niger coup and the alarming support it garnered in neighboring countries as evidence of the urgent need for digital tools that empower citizens to discern truth from falsehood, instill national values, and promote civic engagement.
ChatVE’s exhibition showcased the organization’s commitment to providing accessible digital tools and fact-checking skills to counter tactics employed in disinformation campaigns.
This approach, recognized as a crucial civilian strategy, is particularly vital in regions like Africa where misinformation often goes unchecked.
“Our focus is not just on developing technology, but also on fostering a culture of critical thinking and informed decision-making,” Tijani emphasized. “We aim to equip individuals with the tools to navigate the complex information landscape and protect democratic processes.”
The Global Disinformation Index in their Global State of Democracy Report 2024 ranks misinformation among the top global threats, significantly impacting voter behavior and fueling political instability.
With one in three voters worldwide casting ballots in countries where election quality has deteriorated in the past five years, and democracy declining for the eighth consecutive year, the need for effective solutions is increasingly urgent.