Newcomers Edition: How to protect yourself from AI-generated disinformation

In recent times, the use of AI has skyrocketed, making its presence felt across various sectors. From its role in social media, like chatbots, to streamlining tasks in finance and healthcare, AI has proven to be a valuable resource, simplifying work for human teams in numerous ways.

The surge in AI adoption has transformed industries, enhancing efficiency tremendously. AI's versatility serves as a crucial resource, streamlining tasks and improving productivity for human teams across diverse sectors, marking a pivotal advancement in recent times.

However, the growth of AI comes with a darker side, as more malicious entities exploit this technology for harmful purposes. This includes spreading disinformation, victimizing families, and executing scams.

In the latest edition of our newsletter, we aim to provide essential tips to all newcomers, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the AI landscape safely and effectively.

Let's get started!

According to CIC news:

A CBC report in June highlighted scammers using voice-cloning AI to deceive a Saskatchewan woman, resulting in a loss of over $7000 as they impersonated her grandson.

Beyond financial scams, AI has been employed to create deceptive content such as fake images, leading people to believe false information. The infamous "deepfakes" phenomenon involves taking a real person's document, extracting a photo, and transforming it into a 3D persona.

According to Sumsub, an online identity verification service, the proportion of deepfakes in Canada surged from 0.1% in 2022 to 4.6% in Q1 2023.

Despite the undeniable benefits that AI brings to the Canadian workforce and daily life, it is imperative for people across the country, especially vulnerable groups like prospective and recent newcomers, to remain vigilant. Understanding the potential risks associated with AI is crucial, empowering individuals to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their families from the perils of online disinformation.

In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, fostering AI awareness becomes a cornerstone of responsible integration. By educating all newcomers about AI's capabilities and potential pitfalls, we equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate this technological landscape safely. This proactive approach ensures that the positive impact of AI is maximized while mitigating the risks, fostering a more secure and informed society.

In a recent Maru Public Opinion survey, 48% of surveyed Canadians expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to differentiate between online and social media content produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and content created by humans.

On a broader scale, this statistic is noteworthy as it indicates that nearly half of Canadians are uncertain about their capacity to discern between authentic and fabricated information. Coupled with the fact that 71% of respondents doubt the effectiveness of government regulations over companies generating AI content for online and social media use, it is clear that concerns about falling prey to online disinformation are significant nationwide.

Factors contributing to this apprehension include a lack of familiarity with AI content and heightened susceptibility, especially among recent and prospective Canadian immigrants who may be more prone to becoming victims of AI-generated deceptive content.

For newcomers in Canada, recognizing that federal and provincial governments hold exclusive authority over immigration and temporary residence matters is crucial. Essentially, if information lacks validation from a government source, it should be viewed skeptically.

In addition to verifying content through official channels, the Government of Canada offers a dedicated webpage equipped with tips, fact-checking tools, and extra resources to assist newcomers in identifying and combating online disinformation effectively.

Moreover, here are some tips that will help newcomers:

1?? Fact-check information

Verify information using fact-checking tools, confirm the source's credibility, and cross-reference with other reputable sources. Utilize online fact-checking tools like MediaSmarts Fact Search, which flags potentially fake news. Genuine content should lead to a trustworthy source, and if it doesn't, there's a higher likelihood it's misinformation. Additionally, check for the presence of the same content on multiple reputable platforms to enhance accuracy.

2?? Identify fake social media accounts

Spot fake social media accounts by examining profile elements, such as missing or copied profile pictures. Fake accounts often lack originality, using images taken from other online sources. Identify potential red flags like consistent typos, unusual for authentic sources. Exercise caution with unverified social media accounts boasting a high follower count but minimal engagement, as this is considered a warning sign by the Government of Canada.

3?? Conduct a reverse image search

Perform a reverse image search on platforms like Google to ascertain the authenticity of images found online. This method helps verify the legitimacy of profile pictures and other visuals by checking for duplicates or confirming their appearance across multiple sources.

4?? Scrutinize URLs and web domains

Genuine websites typically have secure, recognizable domains. Be wary of misspelled or suspicious URLs, as they may indicate fraudulent sites spreading misinformation.

5?? Assess the publication date and context

Verify the timeliness of the information and consider its context. Outdated or out-of-context content can contribute to misinformation, emphasizing the importance of checking when the information was published and its relevance to the current situation.

In the face of AI-driven deception, newcomers in Canada must exercise caution. Widespread uncertainty among Canadians underscores the need for heightened awareness and fact-checking tools. Recognizing government authority and adopting proactive measures can empower individuals to safeguard against online disinformation effectively.

If you're interested in joining our exclusive community and staying informed with the latest knowledge, here's how you can get started:

We, as a community of immigrants dedicated to supporting fellow newcomers, prioritize creating a secure environment where professionals can come together and interact. Join us by signing up at www.immigrantnetworks.com and gaining access to our exclusive WhatsApp group, where you can arrange personalized one-on-one sessions with our Ambassadors for mock interviews, LinkedIn profile reviews, and so much more. Please be aware that this group is exclusively for users with Canadian cell phone numbers.

So, what are you waiting for?

Let's navigate this journey together!

Networking to get working! ??

- Written & Edited: Anushree (Annee) Sharma