Combating Disinformation in Switzerland: The Role of AI, Fact-Checking, and Collaborative Efforts

The rapid spread of disinformation on digital platforms poses a significant challenge to public trust and democratic processes. This bachelor thesis explores the role of AI and automated fact-checking in combating disinformation, providing valuable insights for the digitalswitzerland Foundation.

Gerster, Etienne, 2024

Art der Arbeit Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende digitalswitzerland Foundation
Betreuende Dozierende Eisenbart, Barbara
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Disinformation is increasingly prevalent on social media, undermining trust in digital platforms and affecting democratic institutions. Switzerland, despite its advanced digital competencies, lacks specific legal frameworks and effective measures to counteract disinformation, especially regarding the use of AI for automated fact-checking. This presents a substantial challenge in managing the spread of false information and protecting public discourse.
The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review, international use cases, expert interviews, and an interactive workshop event. These phases aim to gather insights on AI frameworks, societal implications, and international best practices. Expert interviews provide qualitative data on the challenges and perceptions surrounding AI, while the workshop event captures public concerns and needs.
The study shows that there are currently no specific AI regulations for disinformation in Switzerland and identifies successful international approaches. Key findings include the need for public education including media literacy, active disinformation detection, regulation, AI systems for fact-checking, and collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society. The work recommends that digitalswitzerland and its network supports programs to improve digital literacy, increase awareness, develop transparent AI systems with human oversight, and promote collaboration between different actors. Implementing these strategies can strengthen public trust in digital media and improve the quality of information, which aligns with the foundation's vision of a resilient and informed digital society.
Studiengang: Wirtschaftsinformatik (Bachelor)
Keywords Disinformation, Fake News, Artificial Intelligence, Fact-checking, Digital Literacy
Vertraulichkeit: öffentlich
Art der Arbeit
Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende
digitalswitzerland Foundation, Lausanne
Autorinnen und Autoren
Gerster, Etienne
Betreuende Dozierende
Eisenbart, Barbara
Publikationsjahr
2024
Sprache der Arbeit
Englisch
Vertraulichkeit
öffentlich
Studiengang
Wirtschaftsinformatik (Bachelor)
Standort Studiengang
Olten
Keywords
Disinformation, Fake News, Artificial Intelligence, Fact-checking, Digital Literacy