It is troubling to think that out of all the threats to international stability identified by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report released on Wednesday, the top one – the spreading of misinformation and disinformation – is something that can be carried out by anyone with a smartphone.
The term “fake news” – originally a 19th-century construction – was revived for its modern run during the turbulent US presidential campaign of 2016. Since then, the technology needed to manipulate images, video and audio to create convincing phonies has advanced so much that it’s now possible for anyone with a basic level of digital know-how to create and share bogus information.
This growing wave of easily generated deception comes at a critical moment. Dozens of countries will hold elections over the next 12 months, an exercise in democracy that will involve billions of voters making life-changing choices. The WEF report notes that “the widespread use of misinformation and disinformation, and tools to disseminate it, may undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments”. A world facing myriad interconnected problems cannot afford a collection of new administrations that are distracted from governing by having to continually prove the integrity of their mandate.
The malign influence of fake news is not confined to electoral politics. It can distort and misdirect the conversation about many more of the other critical threats identified by the 1,500 experts who contributed to the WEF report. These include extreme weather, societal polarisation, cyber threats and even armed conflict between states. Manipulated, subjective “truths” that are rapidly spread on powerful social media platforms can have an explosive effect on particularly divisive issues, such as migration. They also reinforce individuals’ biases and in extreme cases can trap them in irrational, solipsistic echo chambers.
And it is not just the naïve or the perennially online who are vulnerable to misinformation designed to distort the narrative on critical events. In June 2022, it was reported that the mayors of several European cities, including Berlin and Vienna, were duped into holding video calls with a deepfake of Vitali Klitschko, the former boxing champion who is now the mayor of Kyiv.
If experienced politicians can be manipulated, then it bodes ill for societies that largely receive their news and information online. This increases the urgency of finding ways to counter fake news, but what is to be done? Steps to encourage people to develop deeper, critical thinking are important, as are recommendations to pause before sharing, to evaluate sources and to check the facts. But these are strategies that require time to take root and become habitual. In a fraction of the same time, a doctored or misleading story can be shared from a smartphone around the world.
The medium and means of transmission is where the focus should be. This means the onus is on tech companies to up their game when it comes to countering the fake news that travels on their networks. Increased investment in fact-checking teams and tools, improved moderation, and more effective removal policies should all be on the agenda. Emerging AI products that are being developed to rapidly detect manipulated audio and video deserve more support.
But underpinning these concrete steps should be an understanding at the corporate level that being home to a deluge of fake and misleading information erodes a company’s reputation and, ultimately, is bad for business.
In addition, governments that value their cohesion and stability have their role to play too, but this is not a call for mass regulation or censorship. It means developing and implementing policies that empower citizens with digital literacy to help them develop better online habits. Imposing penalties on companies or platforms that host fake news is another way to curtail misinformation.
The WEF is right to prioritise this digital menace and no-one can now claim they are unaware of the problem. Nevertheless, misinformation continues to spread online and it is too late to find a way to comprehensively defeating it before this year’s many elections. The real challenge will be to find a way to effectively fight it in the years ahead. Sadly, this is a problem that isn’t going anywhere.
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Article 15
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What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
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Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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