The fourth seminar on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation focused on the critical issue of automatically detecting fake news. During the event, a research team from the Department of Information Systems PUEB presented the latest findings from their ongoing OpenFact project, which aims to develop innovative AI-based solutions capable of identifying false content published online.
Verifying online information is a highly complex process, requiring advanced linguistic analysis and context interpretation. AI-powered tools must effectively distinguish subtle linguistic nuances that often determine the authenticity of information. This challenge is amplified by the massive volume of data generated daily on the internet, as well as the constantly evolving methods used to manipulate content and create fake news.
Effective solutions for automatically detecting fake news require interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in fields such as computer science, linguistics, psychology, media studies, and data analytics. Only by integrating the knowledge and expertise of these specialists can systems capable of effectively identifying misinformation be developed.
Another significant challenge is the need to analyze diverse sources such as news portals, social media platforms, discussion forums, and blogs. AI systems must not only process vast amounts of information in real-time but also evaluate which content requires immediate intervention based on its potential social harm or speed of dissemination. It is crucial to establish verification priorities, especially for messages with significant social or political impact.
Machine learning models can automatically suggest which information requires detailed analysis, highlighting potential risks associated with particular messages. However, understanding the intentions of content creators, detecting sarcasm, irony, or emotional manipulation, remains a critical and challenging aspect.
Artificial intelligence also enables rapid comparison of data from numerous sources, including knowledge bases, official documents, statistics, and expert reports. Automated assessment of information credibility and identification of manipulation sources not only help effectively combat misinformation but also protect users from its negative consequences.
The potential of AI in this domain is substantial, with technology capable of increasing public awareness, fostering a more informed society, and improving the quality of public discourse. Despite the numerous challenges, developing these tools is essential in an era increasingly dominated by digital communication channels.
The seminar took place on February 24, 2025 at the Poznań University of Economics and Business. The speakers were: Prof. Witold Abramowicz, Prof. Krzysztof Węcel, Dr. Włodzimierz Lewoniewski, Dr. Piotr Stolarski, Dr. Milena Stróżyna, Ewelina Księżniak, Marcin Sawiński.
The OpenFact project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development under the INFOSTRATEG I program “Advanced information, telecommunications and mechatronic technologies”.
In the photo, representatives of the OpenFact team (from left): Dr. Włodzimierz Lewoniewski, Izabela Czumałowska, Patryk Danielewicz, Aleksandra Wojewoda, Dr. Piotr Stolarski, Dr. Milena Stróżyna, Prof. Witold Abramowicz, Prof. Krzysztof Węcel.
Sources: kie.ue.poznan.pl, ue.poznan.pl