On International Fact-Checking Day, MISA Mozambique reinforces the need for a collective commitment to combating disinformation. The dissemination of false information represents a threat to democracy and social stability, which is why the engagement of journalists, digital platforms and citizens in the defense of the truth is essential.

The date, established in 2016 by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), aims to recognize the importance of the information verification work carried out by professionals around the world, as well as stimulating reflection on the challenges posed by disinformation and the impact of this practice on society.

In recent years, the advance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the growth of social networks have created new opportunities and challenges. While on the one hand these technologies enable faster and more efficient verification, on the other they are also used to amplify the spread of disinformation, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish the true from the false.

According to UNESCO, AI tools can improve the quality of journalism, strengthen informational diversity and broaden the representation of marginalized groups. However, the same technology can be exploited to manipulate content, requiring an active response from society. The impact of disinformation in Mozambique.

The impact of disinformation in Mozambique

The 2023-2024 electoral cycle highlighted the challenges of disinformation in the country. During the period, there was a significant increase in the circulation of false content, often used to discredit political opponents and influence public opinion.

This phenomenon contributed to the intensification of post-election tensions and the weakening of trust in democratic institutions. Faced with this scenario, MISA Mozambique, through its fact-checking unit, MISA Check, intensified its efforts to mitigate the impacts of disinformation.

Between July and December 2024, the organization monitored various digital platforms to verify and disprove false information, with a special focus on the electoral process. During this period, 28 publications were fact-checked. Of these, 11 were directly related to the elections and dealt with distrust in democratic institutions and the manipulation of public perception of the legitimacy of the election. Another seven publications focused on broader political issues that reinforced distrust in political leaders and institutions. The remaining cases involved issues such as human rights and national security.

Journalism and fact-checking are essential allies in the defense of truth and transparency. However, the responsibility for disseminating reliable information is shared by everyone: journalists, communication platforms and citizens.

On this International Fact-Checking Day, Misa Moçambique's message is clear: "it is essential to reflect on everyone's role in the fight against disinformation. With the proliferation of false information, it is up to society to adopt a more critical and cautious attitude towards the information it consumes and shares."