29 Oct 2025 Abuse of AI for disinformation and tech-facilitated gender-based violence
We all can take control and make a difference when it comes to digital justice. And being media literate is an important first step. In this regional reflection for UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week, WACC Africa Secretary Lekan Otufodunrin explores why each of us needs to be an informed user in digital spaces.
“Is seeing still believing?”, a speaker at a recent seminar on artificial intelligence (AI) and fact-checking in Nigeria asked against the backdrop of high level of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation across various platforms in the country.
The response was a resounding “Noooo.”
“Is it still true that a picture is a true reflection of what’s in it?”, the speaker continued, referring to a saying by the Yoruba tribe in South West Nigeria.
Like the response to the first question, the answer was no, no, no.
The seminar was organised by FactCheck Africa to train the participants, who included journalists, civic actors, and students, on responsible use of AI to strengthen democracy, promote digital literacy, and combat misinformation.
In Nigeria, abuse of AI tools has fueled the spread of false news and facilitated gender-based violence, also more widely in Africa and globally. We are bombarded daily with various content, many of which are false including deepfakes that are presented as true.
Instead of using these tools to ethically enhance various tasks including writing, editing, and production of helpful content, bad actors have chosen to misuse them in ways that are harmful to individuals, including women and girls, and pose a threat to broader African communities.
According to The Africa Report, with the help of “AI-generated images, deepfake anthems, and algorithmic fervour”, Burkina Faso’s president, Ibrahim Traore, is being promoted as a “messiah” and his supporters are advocating for military rule in more countries on the continent.
Kenyan politician Ralia Odinga, who died in India on 15 October 2025, was seen after in a viral video supposedly showing him in a hospital. According to Africa Check, the video was AI generated and a confirmation that AI can now transform old images into realistic-looking – but fake – “videos.”
DUBAWA, a West African fact-checking platform, reported how X users were seen prompting Grok AI to undress women in photos posted online, violating their privacy policy and dignity and making them unsafe on social media platforms.
Beyond doctored photos and videos, harassment using generative AI tools can also appear in text-based formats, according to Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director at TechHerNG, an organisation focused on supporting women through digital literacy and inclusion.
Considering the widespread abuse of AI tools, unless we take urgent steps to address the problem, more people will continue to be victims of misleading content.
Ahead of the October 2025 presidential election in Cote d’Ivoire, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) deployed a team of researchers, journalists, and fact-checkers.
People are being duped through AI-generated content that they assumed is true.
CJID said this deployment is to strengthen information integrity and promote electoral transparency across West Africa.
“Elections are a defining moment for democracy, yet in the digital age, they are increasingly threatened by the spread of misinformation and disinformation. False or misleading content can distort public perception, inflame tensions, and undermine trust in electoral institutions and outcomes,” CJID stated.
People are most often dependent on information they see online. Through this information, they make decisions, especially around health, about who to vote for, and also about their finances. Unfortunately, this false information available on our online spaces has had negative impacts on their lives.
People are being duped through AI-generated content that they assumed is true.
There is also the issue of women being unjustifiably body-shamed online and attacked online, with consequent mental-health implications. Consequently, many are forced to stay away from platforms that should help them contribute to meaningful discussions and improve their careers.
More than ever before, there is a need to emphasise the role of media and information literacy (MIL) in empowering individuals to navigate and engage with the increasing influence of AI and other digital technologies.
In accordance with this year’s theme of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, “Mind Over AI-MIL in Digital Spaces,” there is a need for more awareness about the dangers posed by the misuse of AI and how to avoid being a victim of disinformation.
People need to know the extent to which those who misuse AI can target them to appreciate the need to verify every piece of information they see before sharing or relying on this for any decision.
To defend themselves, everyone should be careful of content that is shocking, sensational, or appeals to their emotions. Bad actors leverage this kind of content and form up narratives.
Also, strange shadows, odd phrasing, and lips not perfectly matching voices are among the red flags to look out for to determine AI manipulation.
Beyond journalists, everyone needs to learn fact-checking and MIL skills including basic tools and verification techniques that can be used to verify information.
Image: anytka via Canva.com
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