Digital media stakeholders have been encouraged to come up with ways to raise awareness about misinformation and disinformation.
The Editor-in-Chief of Nation Media Group (NMG), Joe Ageyo, expressed concern over the increasing circulation of unverified news that misleads the public.
Speaking during the 5th Nation Digital Summit in Diani, Kwale County, he said there was need for increased awareness and literacy to check the continued spread of false information that many people have fallen victim to.
The three-day summit organised by NMG and various partners ended on Friday with discussions on cybersecurity, fintech and how artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are transforming business, education, transportation and mobility, among others.
Discussions also focused on transformative technology trends and how they can be applied in business, health and education.
At the same time, panelists highlighted the benefits of AI, if well utilised, in improving efficiency and performance in various sectors.
Mr Ageyo said the media has an important role to play in ensuring that people are digitally literate.
"Today we are talking about things like misinformation and disinformation. Unless people know what is true and what is not, the digital space becomes a dangerous place," he said.
Nation Media Group Editor-in-chief Joe Ageyo with Ken Mwenda (centre), CEO eMobilis, in a panel discussion. Left is moderator Reina Kimeu.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
He cited an example where a top government official fell for AI-generated false content touching on a sensitive diplomatic matter—Kenya's support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) faction in Sudan's war.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'oei was forced to apologise on Friday, a day after he posted a video purportedly from CNN supporting Kenya's stance on Sudan, but which was immediately exposed as an AI-generated video.
"The line between what is true and what is not is becoming very thin. Many know that in this country we are dealing with an embarrassing situation where a top official tweets an AI-generated video on a sensitive diplomatic matter," said Mr Ageyo.
During the panel discussion on equitable access to education through affordable technology, Mr Ken Mwenda, the CEO and Managing Director of eMobilis, said the gap in access to technology education can be closed through partnerships between the government and private institutions.
According to Mr Mwenda, there are some instances where the private sector has stepped in to develop infrastructure and training opportunities for people in places that are less privileged with the latest technologies.
He also suggested that teachers should be incentivised to learn about technology and impart the same training to students.
Regarding security in the digital space, experts said it was important for businesses to identify cyber threats and protect their digital assets.
They added that there is a need to develop and implement appropriate policies to reduce the problems of cyber-attacks and other crimes in the digital space.
Financial institutions were encouraged to invest more in educating the public on how to protect their accounts from fraudsters.
"Many people still fall for scams. It's important that financial institutions continue to educate their customers on cybersecurity," said Mr. Brian Wamiori, co-founder of Digital 4 Africa.
The Director of Corporate Training and Development at Moringa Schools, Mr Bernard Kariuki, said that although there are laws in place to protect against the misuse of personal information in cyberspace, education is still lacking.
In his closing remarks, NMG Chief Information Officer Russel Akuom said there is need to develop a cybersecurity framework that does not limit access in marginalised areas and ensures that everyone can access the digital space.
Nation Media Group (NMG) Chief Operating Officer Monicah Ndung'u (right) with Ryan Mule of Samsung Kenya.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The event attracted more than 120 participants from various sectors including the public sector, corporate leaders, innovators, freelancers in the digital space, students and others.
NMG's Chief Operating Officer Monicah Ndung'u said the company will continue to create a platform for conversations that impact society, especially in the digital space.
