Five innovative applications to combat information disorder, advance media literacy, and build a transparent and trustworthy digital environment have been launched by HibridLAB, a program of the Action for Democratic Society (ADS)/hibrid.info organization.
Yesterday, December 18, 2024, Hirbdi.info organized a conference, where it presented to the attendees and the public the applications built by HibridLAB, as part of the Project "Combating Disinformation Narratives through Innovation and Experimental Learning". This project, supported by the Embassy of the United States of America in Kosovo, aims to provide concrete solutions to improve information in the digital space through the development of technological applications based on artificial intelligence.
The project strengthens Hibrid.info's vision of the potential of combining creativity and technology to bring tangible changes to the digital infosphere in the country and beyond.
Shkëlzen Osmani, Director and founder of ADS/Hibrid, and HibridLab, presented the details of the project, emphasizing the importance of digital applications as a solution to the challenges of misinformation. “Through this project, we decided to offer our audience a direct solution through applications, to avoid misinformation coming from the digital space. HibridLAB was the solution,” he said, among other things.
Tuje, Osmani explained that the development of the HibridLab Program has included three main phases: Intensive training for selected students from the fields of Information Technology and Journalism; Incubation of ideas, where the most promising projects are selected and developed; and Acceleration of ideas, transforming them into sustainable and useful products for the public.
On the other hand, Jennifer Lawson, Public Affairs Counselor from the US Embassy in Pristina, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This conference demonstrates the shared commitment to combating misinformation. Our support for HibridLab aims to empower Kosovar society and help build a more trustworthy and fair information environment,” she stated.
Five innovative applications created by participating students as part of HibdirLAB were presented at the conference:
- Application for assessing transparency in the media;
- Application for automatic checking and evaluation of Clickbait;
- Claims identification application;
- Educational game for media education;
- The application for credible information.
Meanwhile, in the introductory video of the launch of the five applications, it was emphasized that this is just the beginning of this journey, further confirming that the project will continue with the creation of other applications in the future.
Further, it was stated that HibridLAB is fully focused on utilizing technology-based solutions and artificial intelligence to address the challenges of the digital age. As an active member of the Global Alliance for Media Innovation (GAMI), it remains committed to promoting innovation, transparency and critical thinking in the media landscape.
The conference for the launch of the applications brought together representatives from diplomatic missions, international organizations, local NGOs, media representatives, university professors and representatives from the ICT sector.
This project is expected to play an important role in empowering the media and educating the public, addressing the complex challenges of information disorder in Kosovo and beyond.
Video of the conference
