The TRNC Journalists’ Union launches a program to combat disinformation

The Turkish Cypriot Journalists Association (KTGB) has announced the launch of a new program aimed at increasing society’s resilience to disinformation and manipulation in the digital environment. The project is titled “Think Before You Believe!” and is being implemented with the support of the British High Commission.

As stated by KTGB Chairman Efdal Keser, Associate Professor Dr. Huri Yontucu has been appointed as the project coordinator. According to him, the insufficient spread of media literacy and information verification mechanisms in Northern Cyprus contributes to the active dissemination of fake news. The initiative aims to develop counter-disinformation skills among journalists, civil society representatives, and the general public.

The project envisages a comprehensive set of activities, including educational programs, the creation of digital materials, and bi-communal events.

Key activities include:

• In cooperation with Fact-Check Cyprus, advanced trainings will be organized for Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot journalists, as well as a bi-communal roundtable. Topics will include open digital data analysis, fact-checking methods, and foreign information manipulation.
• Four training events on media literacy and combating disinformation will be held in cooperation with municipalities and universities in different regions. They will target NGOs, trade unions, professional associations, and citizens.
• A digital “Media Literacy Map” will be created and published on the official KTGB website.
• The release of educational video materials is planned, focusing on identifying disinformation, digital and media literacy, as well as the specifics of content created using artificial intelligence.

The educational content is adapted for participants of different ages and will analyze digital risks using concrete examples. The program covers types of false information, manipulation techniques, the role of algorithms and bots, manipulation in the AI era, the basics of fact-checking, critical thinking, and citizen journalism.

KTGB emphasizes that the project aims to expand cooperation with local partners, develop accessible educational content, and strengthen societal resilience through bi-communal dialogue. Part of the activities will be implemented jointly with Fact-Check Cyprus.

Information on training schedules, participation conditions, and published materials will be posted on the official website and social media accounts of the TRNC Journalists’ Union.