Navigating Cross-Border Misinformation: FactWatch and CQS Equip Over 100 Participants with Fact-Checking Tools

In November 2024, FactWatch and the Centre for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) cemented their reputation as pioneers in fact-checking education by hosting a transformative series of workshops. These daylong certificate workshops, titled "Basic Fact-Checking Workshop: Navigating Cross-Border Misinformation," were designed to equip participants with essential tools to combat digital deception and misinformation in South Asia.

Organized as part of the ongoing research initiative "Countering Misinformation and Hate Speech in South Asia"—supported by The Asia Foundation (TAF)—these workshops focused on enhancing media and digital literacy while addressing the challenges posed by cross-border misinformation.

Over 100 participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, including university students, fresh graduates, development professionals, journalists, community leaders, and project managers, engaged in these rigorous sessions and earned certificates of completion, highlighting their preparedness to address the complex challenges of the modern information ecosystem.

Spanning four back-to-back workshops, the series offered 20 hours of intensive learning across 20 interactive sessions led by eight expert facilitators specializing in media literacy and digital security.

Participants delved into critical topics such as the role of critical thinking in the information ecosystem, advanced fact-checking and verification techniques, the dynamics of cross-border misinformation in South Asia, best practices in digital security, and hands-on analysis of fact-checked content. These engaging sessions fostered active learning and practical application, ensuring participants were left equipped with both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills.

The success of this initiative reflects FactWatch and CQS’s unwavering commitment to combating misinformation and promoting informed decision-making through education. By targeting individuals who are passionate about truth in the digital age, these workshops have solidified their impact on shaping a media-literate society in Bangladesh.

This effort not only strengthens the fight against misinformation but also positions FactWatch and CQS as trailblazers in advancing critical thinking and media education in the region.

Through this collaborative effort, FactWatch and CQS are fostering a new generation of critical thinkers capable of navigating the complex information landscape, ensuring that the movement to counter misinformation in South Asia gains momentum.

As this initiative continues, FactWatch and CQS remain steadfast in their mission to empower individuals and create a future where truth prevails.