Umm Al Qaiwain:Umm Al Qaiwain University and TRENDS Research and Advisory recently engaged in a dialogue session focusing on the application of smart technologies to tackle misinformation during crises. Organized by students from the College of Mass Communication as part of their graduation project titled 'Truth in Times of Crisis: From Rumor to Smart Response', the session brought together experts from cybersecurity, policing, artificial intelligence (AI), and media to address these issues.
According to Wam, the discussions examined the challenges posed by rumors and misinformation during crises, emphasizing the role of smart technologies in detecting and countering such issues. Participants also discussed the responsibilities of institutions and individuals in safeguarding the information environment and maintaining trust in reliable sources.
The event featured notable figures, including Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government; Brigadier-General Abdullah bin Salman Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director of the Operations Department at Ras Al Khaimah Police General Command; Saeed Rashid Al Shehhi; media professional Mohammed Al Ahmad; and Isa Al Manaei, a TRENDS researcher specializing in AI.
During the session, Isa Al Manaei highlighted the advancements in intelligent systems, which are now capable of more than just answering questions. These systems can search multiple sources, generate content, and perform complex tasks autonomously. Al Manaei emphasized that while these capabilities offer significant benefits, they also pose challenges by enabling the rapid production and dissemination of realistic digital content.
He pointed out the risks associated with the fast spread of misleading content on social media, especially during crises when the demand for information is high, and verification may be less thorough. Al Manaei advocated for a culture of verification, urging individuals to check publishers, compare information with official sources, and be cautious with emotionally charged content.
Furthermore, Al Manaei noted that AI has the potential to detect suspicious patterns and support quick responses to rumors, though human oversight remains crucial in decision-making processes. TRENDS' participation in the session underscores its dedication to supporting academic initiatives, collaborating with national universities, and sharing expertise in modern technologies with future media professionals and researchers.
Source: Wam