Kenya’s Battle for Digital Integrity

By Maurine Ngari, Student, KCAU

As artificial intelligence continues to transform possibilities, the rapid and unpredictable pace of technological advancement leaves the world grappling with a delicate balance between innovation and misinformation.

At least 75% of Kenyan news consumers cannot distinguish between real and fake news on social media. This is according to a survey by Reuters institute 

Kenya is not being left behind and has found itself at the crossroads of both. Deepfake technology is considered one of the controversial advancements in artificial intelligence. This synthetic media manipulates images, videos, and audio to come up with hyper-realistic but falsified content. Whereas deepfakes offer endless exciting possibilities for entertainment and education, on the other hand, they pose serious threats to democracy and governance, and the damage is irreversible.

Deepfake technology has been employed in Kenya's politics to disseminate misinformation. Politicians, activists, and journalists have become targets of fabricated images and video clips that distort their statements or actions. This is particularly evident on social media, where much of the content lacks journalistic oversight.

According to research by vellah-kigwiru- in the run-up to elections, deepfakes have been used to spread propaganda, manipulate voter perceptions, and undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Furthermore, deepfakes contribute to the broader problem of information disorder, where the lines between truth and fiction become increasingly blurred. As a result, the public grows more skeptical of legitimate news sources, leading to widespread distrust in media and institutions.

Lawmakers and digital rights organizations are advocating for stronger policies to regulate synthetic media. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) raised concerns about deepfake content in its December 2019 "Draft Issues Paper on Intellectual Property Policy and Artificial Intelligence." It posed two key questions: who holds copyright for deepfakes created using copyrighted data, and whether individuals whose likenesses or performances are used in deepfakes should receive equitable compensation. However, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in a digital ecosystem where content can go viral within minutes.

In last year’s 2024 Kenyan Editors Guild Annual Convention. The Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Margaret Ndung’u, highlighted the importance of AI in enhancing media objectivity and accuracy. She also encouraged Kenyan media to adopt advanced AI tools to combat Misinformation and build trust.

“The use of AI can lead to various outcomes; we aim to harness its positive potential to promote socio-economic development,” Ndung’u stated.

Education and awareness are also critical in the fight against deepfakes. Media literacy programs that equip citizens with the skills to identify manipulated content can help curb the impact of misinformation. Encouraging critical thinking and fact-checking habits can empower individuals to discern credible information from AI-generated deception.

DW Shift, last year made a detailed video on how individuals can detect these deepfakes, asking individuals not to believe everything they see on the internet and to be aware of the noticeable signs of deformed facial features and unnatural transitions.

https://www.dw.com/en/deeply-fake-using-ai-to-uncover-deception/video-70343673

In an era where seeing is no longer believing, the battle against deepfakes is far from over. However, with measures put in place and an informed public, Kenya can navigate this digital challenge and safeguard the integrity of its democracy and society.

Maurine Ngari is a studentof Journalism and Digital Media at KCA University. ngarimaurine@gmail.com

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