AFCN Chatbot Team Completes an Advanced Fact-Checking Training as Part of “Masar” Project
The Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN) from ARIJ concluded an intensive, advanced training designed to enhance the skills of the AFCN Chatbot team in the critical field of fact-checking. Conducted via Zoom from February 23 to 26, 2025, the training focused on boosting the team’s technical proficiency in fact-checking.
The session brought together the entire AFCN Chatbot team, consisting of 16 fact-checkers (50% females) and the editors, with the aim of strengthening the technical competencies necessary for effective fact-checking.
On the first day, Fatima Bani Ahmed, the AFCN chatbot supervisor, kicked off the course by introducing participants to key methodologies for improving the reliability of chatbot responses. These methods were designed to ensure the delivery of trustworthy information while aligning with the AFCN’s standards, with a particular focus on improving the ability to identify credible sources and maintain high-quality responses.
On the second day, trainees learnt advanced search techniques across platforms such as Google, Telegram, and TikTok. Participants were trained in tracing sources and constructing precise search queries and codes for each platform to support the fact-checking process with the most accurate and reliable results.
Day three featured a presentation by the fact-checker Bara’a Al-Ma’ani, who introduced the “Google Earth” tool for accurate geolocation. Through several case studies, participants learned to pinpoint event locations using various techniques in an interactive format. Additionally, Fatima Bani Ahmed covered the importance of web archiving, allowing fact-checkers to preserve claims and sources in their responses.
On the final day, Samya Ayish demonstrated the use of AI techniques to analyze images and videos, while also discussing the ethical challenges that may arise from using such technologies. She emphasized the importance of a balanced and ethical approach to leveraging AI in fact-checking to ensure accuracy and integrity.
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Lotfi Ferhi, a Tunisian fact-checker from the Chatbot team, shared that one of the most valuable skills he gained from the workshop was learning how to utilize Telegram bots and search effectively within Telegram channels. He also acquired techniques for searching on TikTok and tools to analyze video content, including details such as publishing dates and publishers.
Meanwhile, Jamila Al-Ayoubi, a fact-checker from Lebanon highlighted that the most significant takeaway from the sessions was “gaining exposure to diverse perspectives, which would open new avenues for me in research and fact-checking”.
It’s worth mentioning that the ARIJ’s AFCN launched the “Masar” project, supported by Meta, which runs from October 2024 to September 2025. The project aims to enhance fact-checking capabilities across the Arab world and combat misinformation by building capacity within fact-checking institutions and expanding access through the AFCN Chatbot powered by AI on WhatsApp and Messenger.
