Project Kickoff: Tackling Disinformation with Infotester4Education
In a world increasingly plagued by the spread of disinformation, the need for algorithmic transparency and reliable information has never been more pressing. Recognizing this urgency, the Cyprus Center for Algorithmic Transparency (CyCAT) at the Open University of Cyprus (OUC) joined forces with international partners at a pivotal meeting in Warsaw, Poland, to launch the Infotester4Education project.
The two-day event, held over April 17-18, 2024, served as a platform for experts and academics to align their efforts in combating the challenges posed by disinformation. OUC was represented by Ph.D. student Maria Kasinidou and Associate Professor Jahna Otterbacher, who brought their expertise to the table alongside colleagues from the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
The project coordinators from Science4People set the tone with an ice-breaker, paving the way for a collaborative atmosphere. The participants engaged in deep discussions about the project’s objectives and the strategic approach to uphold democratic values within academia. They meticulously outlined the work packages, schedules, and milestones that would guide their mission forward.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a collective brainstorming session that sparked a host of innovative ideas for the project’s execution. The next critical phase will involve specialized training in Tampere, Finland, focusing on equipping stakeholders with the skills to identify and counteract disinformation effectively.
With this initiative, CyCAT–OUC and its partners are at the forefront of developing educational tools and methodologies to foster a more informed and discerning global citizenry. The Infotester4Education project stands as a beacon of hope in preserving the integrity of information in our digital society.
