LEGAL ACTION Below: Table 9: Overview of the operations of GAPA Bottom: Table 10: Overview of the operations of Paradigm Initiative The actors who are working in the legal realm focus mainly on advocacy at the intersection of digital and human rights, including sounding the alarm about abuse of legislative powers or the potentially detrimental effects of government action against mis- and disinformation. They are particularly concerned with ensuring that legislative responses respect fundamental human rights and are not disproportionately applied. See Table 11 for an overview of Lawyers Hub Kenya, which is active in the legal realm in sub-Saharan Africa. FACT-CHECKING SOFTWARE This method involves the use of technological solutions to monitor and respond to mis- and disinformation. It includes the development of software, usually AI-based, to simplify, speed up, or deepen fact-checking processes or to enable verification of more technical components such GAPA About GAPA is an NGO working to promote the rights of people with albinism. From the association’s viewpoint, myths about albinism, some of which are based on superstition, can be considered a form of mis- or disinformation, because they have no moral or legal basis. These myths can be used to discredit people with albinism, contribute to their ostracization from society, or even cause them physical harm. The objective of the association is therefore to demystify albinism and break the myths and misconceptions related to persons with albinism in Ghana, to sensitize and create awareness about the challenges facing them, and to advocate inclusive policies. Established 2003 Reach Ghana Languages English, local languages Partners Social media and traditional media Methods and activities GAPA uses online and offline means to educate the public on albinism as a medical condition, share messages about the experiences of people with albinism, and advocate inclusive social practices and policies. Its Facebook page, for instance, features videos of formal communication events as well as candid videos of incidents demonstrating bias against this social group. It monitors traditional media such as radio for instances of mis- and disinformation. Furthermore, if a particular misconception is circulating, a media person might contact the organization directly for clarification or education. In addition to general education, GAPA identifies communities that discriminate against people with albinism and targets educational campaigns at those communities to call for cultural reform. Other modalities used are press conferences, press releases, and dialogue sessions with opinion leaders. When funding is available, GAPA is able to run specific programs, such as on cultural banishment of people with albinism. Other activities Skills training, healthcare services, education Challenges Inadequate funding Paradigm Initiative About Paradigm Initiative works in digital rights advocacy, specializing in the policy field. It has representation in six African countries: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Established 2021 Reach West, East, and southern Africa Partners Social media companies, media organizations, academia, civil society organizations Methods and activities The primary method used is workshops to educate and build capacity on issues of digital rights. For example, following the announcement of the proposed social media bill in Nigeria (the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill SB132), Paradigm hosted media campaigns and several awareness-raising events with civil society organizations, media organizations, and social media users in general who would be affected by the bill. The chief concerns were around the potential stifling of media freedoms and freedom of speech in general in the country. Pressure from Paradigm and others resulted in the bill not being passed into law. Other activities Capacity building, education Challenges Inadequate funding Lack of technical and technological capacity I N FO R M ATI O N D I SO R D ER IN THE GLOBA L SOUTH Sub -Saharan Africa – 1 54