News and updates

News

What to do about fake news and disinformation?

E

Emily Rust

"The internet as businesses once knew and used it has drastically changed since 2022," according to PYMNTS.com.

Today, the rise of advanced technologies, especially generative artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping how information is created and shared. This evolution brings a significant challenge: the spread of fake news and disinformation.

Wasim Khaled, CEO of Blackbird.AI, warns that false information can severely impact businesses. It's not just misleading news articles; disinformation can affect everything from stock prices to public perception of a company. It’s estimated that fake news already costs publicly traded companies about $78 billion each year, globally.

To combat these risks, business leaders must seek to understand and adapt to the new digital environment. This means investing in advanced cybersecurity measures and developing strategies to identify and counteract false information. By using tools to analyse and verify the accuracy of information, companies can protect themselves from potential threats.

Additionally, maintaining honesty and transparency to build trust in business decisions is more important than ever. In an age where misinformation is common, preserving public trust by consistently providing reliable and truthful information is key to a company's success and reputation.

To stay ahead in this challenging environment, businesses must be proactive about updating their knowledge and tools. Here are three key strategies they can adopt:

  • Continuous Education and Training: Businesses should invest in ongoing education and training programs for their employees, especially those involved in content management and public relations. Understanding the latest trends in AI and misinformation, and learning how to identify and combat fake news are essential skills that can safeguard a company’s reputation.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Form partnerships with technology providers who specialise in advanced AI and data analysis tools. These collaborations can provide businesses with cutting-edge solutions to monitor and analyse information efficiently, ensuring they stay ahead of disinformation campaigns.
  • Robust Monitoring Systems: Implement sophisticated monitoring systems that use AI to detect anomalies in information and news related to their business. These systems can provide real-time alerts about potential disinformation, allowing companies to respond swiftly and effectively before any real damage is done.

By focusing on these areas, businesses can not only protect themselves from misinformation but also enhance their ability to adapt to the evolving digital landscape, fostering growth and maintaining public trust.