Infostrateg

A system to detect fake news, combat disinformation and protect the public from manipulation in a transparent and explainable way.

About the project

The aim of the project is to develop the Swarmcheck system in a way that allows fake news to be detected and disinformation to be combated in a transparent and explainable way. The system works by recording the collective arguments of users supported by artificial intelligence. The collection of information will take place through a series of user-friendly interfaces such as a browser application for automatic web content analysis, a discussion application and viewing reusable argumentation maps.

The process of checking information is based on a combination of artificial intelligence (natural language processing - NLP) and collective intelligence (group argumentation mapping). As a result of this combination, the results do not depend on the arbitrary judgement of a specific individual or the artificial intelligence algorithms themselves. In addition, users supported by the system do not need to be fact-checking experts to add a small yet valuable contribution from themselves. The system aims to integrate scattered pieces of discussion into a coherent database of validated and related arguments that are used to evaluate information. Algorithms help users formulate arguments and impartially resolve potential conflicts of its record, and argument mining algorithms to help speed up the process of developing an argumentative knowledge base. In line with an ethical approach to AI development, the system and supports human capabilities, transparently presents explanations of individual assessments in natural language and allows simple correction of automatic results with beneficial effects for all users.

A SaaS freemium implementation will provide free access for all users accessing the public knowledge base (open access). There will be a charge for the use of private discussions, which by their nature are not part of the public discourse. The system will be integrated into Swarmcheck's existing activities - group decision support consultancy services, strategy development, qualitative research, support for participatory processes and popular science and education activities.