Table 5: Overview of the operations of Verifox and Desinfox might do this type of research to provide context for specific mis- or disinformation or to sensitize policymakers, media institutions, and the general public to the extent and dangers of information disorder. See Table 3 for an overview of the operations of CDD Fact Check, which engages in research on information disorder issues. Such information sharing has been demonstrated to lead to policy change on some platforms—for example, according to one interviewee, research on political tactics such as Nigerian politicians’ use of “data boys” to create and spread messages may have contributed to WhatsApp’s decision to limit the number of messages that can be forwarded. Though not well documented hitherto in the academic literature, the data boys or girls phenomenon is on the rise in Nigeria and other African countries. Data boys and girls are mostly youths who are hired and paid a data stipend every month by the political and business elites for digital public relations purposes (Iyanda 2021). The ultimate goal is to create a favorable status for these elites. In some Nigerian states, data boys and girls are believed to be promoters and online defenders of government policies and programs (Kogi Reports 2019). Far from being an effective means of combating mis- and disinformation, data boys and girls can in some cases deliberately contribute to the spread of false information. EDUCATION Educational methods seem to be aimed at filling gaps in knowledge or understanding that are considered to be contributory factors to the spread and acceptance of false information. They include general media or digital literacy and community outreach or campaigns on specific topics. See Table 4 for an overview of Section 27, an organization that employs educational strategies. Educational responses aim at not only educating but also empowering citizens by giving them online tools or platforms to respond to mis- or disinformation. For instance, the RIPOTI platform created by the Paradigm Initiative network educates citizens on what mis- and disinformation are and allows them to submit content they suspect to be untrue or malicious. These methods approach mis- and disinformation from the demand side and therefore focus on the audience. Educational methods are a key approach for organizations working on democratic governance, since countering mis- and disinformation often overlaps with voter education. It is also used by institutions seeking to change negative social and cultural beliefs and practices. Some activities have a narrow scope (such as supporting journalism), whilst others are more broadly in support of the information ecology. Verifox and Desinfox About Verifox and Desinfox were introduced by CFI Media to provide training and education. Verifox was launched in 2019 and focuses on fact-checking training and support for journalists in Burkina Faso, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative is scheduled to end in 2022. As a result of the achievements of Verifox, a larger operation, Desinfox, was established in 2020. It is expected to run until the end of 2023. Desinfox covers three additional countries: Senegal, Central African Republic (CAR), and Cameroon. Established 2019 and 2020 Reach West and Central Africa Languages French, English Partners Media institutions Methods and activities Desinfox’s program consists of five activities: forums and meetings, fact-checking training, content production training, fundraising support, and introduction to the IFCN. Trainers provide on-site coaching and networking support for journalists and media directors to strengthen the quality and quantity of fact checking. The program does not target any particular type of mis- or disinformation. Considering that sometimes media institutions contribute to the spread of false information due to their profit motives, the training includes helping to develop sustainable economic models. In addition, the program helps media institutions to expand their networks to gain access to business opportunities. Through annual meetings with regulators, Desinfox also tries to sensitize media regulatory bodies. Other activities Public awareness raising Challenges • It is difficult to find media partners. • Developing sustainable fact-checking models is challenging. • Providing daily support from head office in Europe is challenging. Perspectives on information disorder “If we only do training and leave the directors and journalists in the dark, we risk not having concrete results. Beyond simple (theoretical) training, it is important to offer both technical support through appropriate coaching and financial support for sustainable fact-checking models.” I N FO R M ATI O N D I SO R D ER IN THE GLOBA L SOUTH Sub -Saharan Africa – 1 51