ARIJ’s AFCN launches “Masar” Project with support from Meta

October 3, 2024

The Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN), a network led by the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), proudly announces the launch of Masar (Path), a year-long fact-checking project (October 2024 – September 2025) supported by Meta. Masar aims to enhance the fact-checking landscape and ecosystem across the Arab world by focusing on combating misinformation and building capacity within fact-checking organisations.

The Masar project, launched on the first of October at the META 2024 Summit in Amman, is designed to address misinformation crises in the Arab world, particularly in conflict zones. Its objectives are twofold: strengthening fact-checking organisations through an intensive mentorship program, and reaching wider audiences through AFCN’s innovative fact-checking WhatsApp chatbot, supported by Artificial Intelligence.

The first component of the project aims to vastly improve fact-checking capacity-building in the region through high quality mentorship. Six fact-checking organisations from different Arab countries will be selected for a six-month mentorship program in 2025. The program is designed to empower their fact-checking methodology, business model, communication strategy, and safety strategy, facilitating their eligibility for the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) signatory status. This will strengthen the ecosystem of fact-checking in MENA. 

The second component involves targeting the general public in the Arab World through the innovative AFCN AI-driven fact-checking chatbot tool. The chatbot serves users looking to fact-check a video, image, text or link on an individual customer basis. The chatbot aims to deliver timely and accurate responses to their fact-checking requests within 48 hours maximum, serviced by human fact-checkers armed with the latest AI technology. Additionally, the chatbot incorporates media literacy resources, including ARIJ’s AFCN database and Meta’s journalism resources.

In addition to the main two components, ARIJ’s AFCN will be engaging during the project with numerous active stakeholders in the fight against information disorder harming the region’s progress.  

“At Meta, we are deeply committed to combating misinformation and creating a safer online experience. By working closely with our communities and regional partners, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem’s capacity to identify, counter, and mitigate the spread of false information. Together, we are building a more informed digital space, where users can engage confidently and responsibly”, said Joelle Awwad, Head of Policy Programs in Africa, Middle East and Turkey.

ARIJ Director General Rawan Damen, confirms that “through Masar project, we are integrating two key paths to develop fact-checking in the Arab world: strengthening the capacities of organizations on one hand, and enhancing the role of the general public in combating misinformation on the other. This comes after we succeeded in building a strong fact-checking community capable of collaboration and development despite all the challenges.”

Through Masar, AFCN reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth within the Arab fact-checking community.

For more information, visit www.arabfcn.net and AFCN on Instagram.