Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of journalism and digital media.
• Good proficiency in using computers and the internet.
• Prior experience with news content is preferred.

Course Description

In a media environment where information flows at an unprecedented speed, the challenge is no longer accessing the news—but verifying it. With the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, misinformation has become more sophisticated, from manipulated images to deepfake videos and synthetic audio. This places increasing responsibility on journalists to master advanced tools for uncovering the truth.

Course Objective

By the end of this course, participants will:
• Analyze the structure of modern misinformation and understand how it spreads.
• Use AI-powered tools to detect digital manipulation.
• Develop verification skills using open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques.
• Build institutional workflows for rapid pre-publication verification.
• Strengthen awareness of the ethical and professional dimensions of using AI in media.

Course Outline

• Conceptual and technical framework of misinformation:
- The concept of misinformation in the era of generative AI.
- The role of algorithms in spreading misleading content.
- Echo chambers and their impact.
- Deepfakes: types, techniques, and risks.

• Digital forensic verification using AI:
- Tools for detecting AI-generated images and analyzing metadata.
- Techniques for identifying manipulated videos.
- Detect voice synthesis and impersonation.
- Geolocation verification using satellite imagery and digital tools.

• Monitoring and analyzing misleading content:
- Use AI to track trends.
- Detect coordinated media campaigns.
- Text analysis and identifying AI-generated content.
- Build databases of trusted sources.

• Institutional application and crisis management:
- Integrate verification tools into editorial workflows.
- Build internal verification systems in newsrooms.
- Manage misinformation crises.
- Strengthen institutional reputation through rapid response.

• Ethics of verification in the AI era:
- Professional responsibility in publishing content.
- Risks of over-reliance on AI tools.
- Balance speed and accuracy.
- Standards of integrity and transparency in journalism.

Course Benefits

• A graduation certificate by Al Jazeera Media Institute.
• Practical guide to digital verification tools and techniques.
• Final applied project (comprehensive verification report).