Earthquake’s aftermath: Journalists respond to shockwaves of misinformation
Earthquake’s aftermath: Journalists respond to shockwaves of misinformation
Meedan announces the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Response Fund for media covering the crisis
Hey Checklisters!
We hope you’re staying safe and healthy.
Meedan is deeply saddened by the loss and devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Our organization is committed to improving safe and equitable access to quality information during moments of crisis. As a result of this disaster we’re launching a Turkey and Syria Earthquake Response Fund. Our program managers are also reaching out to journalists in the region to express solidarity and offer assistance to collectives and organizations engaging in fact-checking related to the earthquake and its aftermath.
To request media relief assistance from Meedan email hello@meedan.com with Earthquake Crisis in the subject line.
Meedan’s crisis response currently includes technical assistance for teams seeking critical information distribution, as well as networking and financial support to partners in Turkey, Syria and other countries in the region.
We are prioritizing support for on-the-ground journalism efforts to counter misinformation, verify relief and aid distribution and address harmful content. Meedan also continues to work closely with partners to learn how we can collectively respond to similar crises in the future.
The Check Global Report
By Meedan’s Check Global team in Beirut, Belo Horizonte, Kochi, Bhimtal, and Nairobi
Meta’s Gruesome Content Broke Him. Now He Wants It to Pay (Wired)
A lawsuit brought by South African content moderator Daniel Motaung against Meta will move forward in Kenya, following the dismissal of the platform's application to be excluded from the suit.
“The whole point of sending content moderation work overseas and far away is to hold it at arm’s length, and to reduce the cost of this business function. Content moderation is a core vital business function, not something peripheral or an afterthought.” — Paul Barrett, deputy director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at New York University
New national observatory of violence against journalists in Brazil (Reporters Without Borders)
Civil society organizations have been invited to join Brazil’s new National Observatory of Violence against Journalists, a justice ministry offshoot that will monitor violence against journalists and propose policies for preventing such violence and for protecting media personnel.
“After a very grim period for journalists, who suffered all kinds of intimidation and harassment, the Lula government’s commitment to shedding light on these problems represents an important step towards democratic reconstruction in Brazil.” — Artur Romeu, Head of RSF’s Latin America bureau
India’s Government Wants Total Control of the Internet (Wired)
Over the past few years, the Indian government has handed itself new powers that tighten controls over online content, allowing authorities to legally intercept messages, break encryption, and shut down telecoms networks during moments of political turmoil.
“India being such a huge market, nobody wants to affect their business, whether it’s Twitter or Meta. They may try to resist in some way on the face of it, but in the background they will end up cooperating…” — Salman Waris, an international technology lawyer and a partner at law firm TechLegis.
Afghan journalists win case against UK government over relocation (Arab News)
Eight Afghan journalists who worked for the BBC broadcaster won a legal challenge on Monday against Britain’s refusal to relocate them from Afghanistan, which they said put them at high risk of being killed by the Taliban rulers.
David Blundell, a lawyer for the Ministry of Defense, said the Taliban’s perception that the BBC is a part of the British government was irrelevant. But Judge Peter Lane said in a written ruling that the perception was “clearly relevant” to the risks the journalists faced.
Townsquare
FEBRUARY 18
OFTW! Overseas Filipino Truth Warriors: Empowering migrant workers to fight disinformation: Meedan partner Verafiles are organizing a webinar on February 18 to share their experience and insights on how migrant workers can become credible producers and critical consumers of information. You can find more details and RSVP here.
FEBRUARY 23
Unpacking the Story: From Influencers to Body Dysmorphia: Covering Beauty and Technology: On February 23, Meedan partner Magdalene from Indonesia is organizing an online discussion on how the media can improve its perspective and approach when it comes to reporting on women, beauty industry and the gender dimension of technology. Register here to join.
MARCH 27 (Deadline)
Call for Papers: Journalism professors and researchers worldwide are invited to submit research paper abstracts for the 13th Global Investigative Journalism Conference which will take place September 19 to 22 in Gothenberg, Sweden. The deadline is March 27. You can find more information here.
What else we’re reading
Twitter’s plan to charge for crucial tool prompts outcry (AP)
Inside the Heart of ChatGPT’s Darkness (Substack)
At This School, Computer Science Class Now Includes Critiquing Chatbots (The New York Times)
When my dad was sick, I started Googling grief. Then I couldn’t escape it. (MIT Technology Review)
If there are updates you would like us to share from your country or region, please reach out to us at checklist@meedan.com.
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