Challenges faced by Nigerian fact-checkers with deep fakes during the 2023 general election

Abstract

This paper examines the role and impact of fact-checking in the context of Nigeria's 2023 general elections, focusing particularly on the challenges posed by political misinformation, including the proliferation of fake news and deepfakes. Drawing on a range of scholarly sources and empirical evidence, it explores how fact-checking organizations such as Dubawa and FactCheckHub have utilized advanced technologies, collaborative efforts with social media platforms, and public education campaigns to verify and counter misleading information. The study underscores the pivotal role of fact-checking in safeguarding electoral integrity and enhancing public trust in democratic processes amidst the digital age's rapid information dissemination. Moreover, it highlights the need for robust legal frameworks tailored to address emerging challenges like deep fakes. Therefore, by examining these dimensions, the paper offers insights into how Nigerian fact-checkers are navigating the evolving landscape of misinformation and shaping strategies to uphold factual accuracy and transparency in electoral discourse.