The African Academy for Open Source Investigation (AAOSI) Fellowships offer an incredible opportunity for journalists and media organizations in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal to enhance their investigative reporting skills. The program focuses on building the capacity of journalists to use open-source intelligence (OSINT) and SOCMINT forensic analysis to detect and expose information manipulation and inauthentic behavior.
Here’s a breakdown of the fellowship program:
Key Features of the AAOSI Fellowships:
1. Training in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT):
- OSINT: Fellows will receive specialized training on how to gather and analyze publicly available information to investigate online content, such as images, videos, documents, and social media posts. This includes learning techniques to verify the authenticity and credibility of online materials.
- SOCMINT: Fellows will also be trained in SOCMINT (Social Media Intelligence), which focuses on the use of social media data and analysis to investigate trends, identify misinformation, and detect coordinated inauthentic behavior (CIB).
2. Focus on Information Manipulation and Interference (IMI):
The fellowship aims to help journalists understand and combat information manipulation and interference (IMI), which includes identifying and debunking false narratives, misleading content, or coordinated disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion or interfering with democratic processes.
3. Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior (CIB):
Fellows will learn techniques for detecting CIB, where groups or individuals manipulate social media platforms and digital spaces to spread misinformation in an orchestrated manner. This skill is vital in exposing coordinated campaigns designed to mislead the public, interfere with elections, or disrupt social cohesion.
4. Mentorship for Newsrooms and NGOs:
The program not only provides individual training to fellows but also extends to mentoring newsrooms and NGOs in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. This ensures that the impact of the fellowship is felt across the media landscape in these countries, helping build stronger, more resilient institutions capable of producing reliable, evidence-driven journalism.
5. Collaborative Environment:
The fellowship is part of a collaborative initiative by CivicSignal AI/machine-learning team, iLAB forensic research team, and PesaCheck fact-checking team. This multidisciplinary approach allows fellows to learn from experts in AI, machine learning, forensic research, and fact-checking, ensuring they are equipped with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to tackle information manipulation.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Skill Development: Fellows will gain critical skills in OSINT, SOCMINT, and forensic analysis, which are becoming essential in the age of digital journalism and information warfare.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows will have the chance to network with experts in investigative journalism, forensic research, and digital media. This could lead to long-term collaborations and partnerships in the field of open-source investigation.
- Access to Resources: Fellows will have access to advanced tools and resources developed by CivicSignal, iLAB, and PesaCheck, which will assist in their investigative work.
- Capacity Building for Local Newsrooms: This program helps to strengthen local newsrooms and NGOs by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to independently carry out open-source investigations and combat disinformation.
Target Participants:
- Journalists working in investigative media outlets who are looking to expand their skills in OSINT and forensic analysis.
- Watchdog NGOs focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and credible information in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
- Media Organizations that want to integrate OSINT and SOCMINT techniques into their reporting and enhance their ability to report on information manipulation and disinformation.
Application Process:
- Eligibility: Journalists and organizations from Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal that are committed to investigative journalism and tackling misinformation and disinformation are eligible to apply.
- Application Requirements: Applicants will likely need to submit an application form that includes:
- A statement of interest explaining why they are interested in the fellowship and how they plan to use the training in their work.
- Proof of professional background (e.g., experience in journalism, media, or research).
- Potential examples of previous investigative work or reports on disinformation or information manipulation.
- Selection Criteria: The selection process may prioritize applicants based on their experience, current role in journalism or civil society organizations, and their commitment to improving media literacy and combating misinformation.
Why This Fellowship Matters:
In an era of widespread disinformation, especially across social media platforms, it is crucial for journalists and media organizations to be equipped with the skills to accurately investigate and report on false information. The AAOSI Fellowship will empower journalists in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal with the tools needed to identify, expose, and report on manipulated or fake information, contributing to a more informed public and a healthier democratic process.
Deadline: Feb 12.2025