Podcast Discusses Dangerous Role of AI in Fake News
brussel, maandag, 22 september 2025.
In the recent episode of ‘The Seventh Day’, the challenges and potential solutions for the spread of fake news and online misinformation through AI are discussed. Experts Conner Rousseau and Margot Cloet share insights on how AI blurs the lines between fact and fiction and what the implications of this are for our society.
AI as a Spread of Fake News
In the recent episode of ‘The Seventh Day’, the role of AI in the spread of fake news and online misinformation is thoroughly discussed. Conner Rousseau, chairman of Vooruit, and Margot Cloet from Zorgnet-Icuro share their insights on how AI blurs the lines between fact and fiction. According to Rousseau, AI plays a crucial role in the spread of fake news through the use of bots and automatic content generation [1]. These bots can mimic human behavior and create the impression that misleading information is widely shared, thereby increasing its credibility [2].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread of fake news has both personal and societal consequences. On a personal level, fake news can lead to incorrect decisions, such as in medical or financial matters. On a societal level, it undermines democratic processes and trust in institutions. Rousseau emphasizes that the spread of fake news can lead to a loss of trust in scientific findings and media, which erodes the foundation of an organized society [1]. Margot Cloet adds that the impact of fake news on the healthcare sector cannot be underestimated, where incorrect information can cost lives [3].
Combating Fake News with AI
Alongside the negative aspects, AI also offers opportunities to combat fake news. Oigetit.ai, an AI-based fake news filter, uses complex algorithms to fact-check news articles and compare them with a large database of historical articles. Oigetit.ai assigns a reliability percentage and a colored shield to each article based on levels of bias and source analysis [4]. This helps users quickly determine whether an article is reliable. Rousseau and Cloet agree on the necessity of such technologies to limit the spread of fake news [1][3].
Practical Tips for Readers
To combat the spread of fake news, the experts offer some practical tips for readers. First, it is important to think critically about the sources of news. Check if the website is reliable and whether the article has been verified by multiple sources [2]. Second, it is advisable to scroll through news feeds more slowly and take the time to verify the accuracy of information [5]. Rousseau also suggests trusting local news sources, as they are often more reliable than national or international sources [1].