AI-powered fact-checking tools can greatly speed up journalists' efforts to analyze all kinds of content, from images and video, to audio recordings and text.
“AI has undeniably become an essential ally in the fight against mis- and disinformation,” said Lanre Olagunju, editor-in-chief of CheckClimate Africa. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how AI-powered tools have transformed our workflows.”
Here are five helpful AI-powered fact-checking tools journalists can utilize to support their reporting.
Verifying multimedia
(1) Sensity AI
Formerly known as Deeptrace Labs, Sensity AI is an advanced AI fact-checking tool that helps journalists detect fake multimedia content by identifying signs of manipulation such as face swaps, and synthetic media created using generative adversarial networks (GANs).
The tool provides real-time alerts to enable quick responses to detected deepfakes. It employs a multilayered analysis that scrutinizes pixel inconsistencies, file structures, and audio patterns to detect deepfakes accurately.
Cost: Subscriptions vary by usage and must be negotiated directly with the company for customized plans. API access available.
(2) InVID - WeVerify plugin
The InVID - WeVerify plugin can be used to verify images and videos on social media. The tool can extract metadata, fragment videos for reverse image searches, and examine individual video frames for signs of manipulation, among other features provided to analyze content.
Cost: Free.
Analyzing text
(3) Full Fact AI
Developed by U.K.-based Full Fact, Full Fact AI is a suite of tools offering a range of fact-checking functions that help users track disinformation and identify its spreaders and patterns.
The tools can be used to transcribe audio and video with real-time misinformation detection, flagging potentially false claims in political speeches, livestreams, news articles, and other sources, helping fact-checkers review a wide range of information. Alongside its tools, Full Fact offers online training courses, with core products on combating misinformation; online media literacy and AI; and fact-checking.
Cost: Custom pricing. Interested users can request a demo.
Additional tools
(4) Google’s Fact-Check Tools
Google’s fact-check tools help journalists check whether a story or image has already been investigated and verified to be true or proven false by reputable fact-checkers. They also allow fact-checkers to add a special label called ClaimReview to their articles, which helps search engines like Google and fact-check sites to quickly recognize fact-check articles.
The tools require technical understanding to operate effectively. Journalists can gain this technical understanding by leveraging Google's free training resources.
- Google Fact-Check Explorer: A search tool to look up existing fact-checks.
- Fact-Check Markup Tool: Enables journalists add fact-check information in a structured way.
- ClaimReview: A special tagging system that fact-checkers use so search engines and social media platforms can find and showcase their fact-check articles.
Cost: Free. API access available.
(5) Meedan Check
Meedan Check is a fact-checking platform that organizations can use to verify content shared through messaging applications, such as Messenger, WhatsApp, Line, Telegram, and Viber. It enables people to submit tips, videos, images, or questions, which trusted newsrooms and fact-checkers can then verify and respond to.
The tool groups similar queries or content to help teams analyze patterns efficiently. It enables multiple organizations to jointly manage workflows through shared feeds and annotation tools.
Cost: Meedan Check is on the more expensive side. It offers tiered plans for organizations. It is as follows: business plan: $400/month (+$150 activation fee). Enterprise plan: $2,900/month (+$150 activation fee). Additional usage fees may apply depending on messaging volume or regional messaging application costs. API access available.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.
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