Combating information pollution: DGPA and UNDP announce nine innovative open-source solutions

Selected by an expert panel based on their adaptability, scalability, and potential impact, nine initiatives that aim to combat information pollution will be showcased at the Nobel Prize Summit.

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The Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the outcomes of a global campaign aimed at identifying promising open-source solutions to address the global information crisis. The campaign recognised nine initiatives from around the world, chosen by a panel of experts based on their adaptability, scalability, and potential impact. 

The selected initiatives aim to combat information pollution and its detrimental effects on democracy, human rights, and societal divides. They employ various approaches such as combating deep fake videos, analysing online news media, verifying crowdsourced data, monitoring tech companies’ legal terms, improving access to government policies, and understanding the impact of digital technologies on societal conflicts. 

The use of open-source tools allows for transparency, collaboration, and customisation to meet specific contextual needs. The initiative was made possible with the support of Omidyar Network, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Government of Norway. These innovative solutions will be featured at the prestigious Nobel Prize Summit taking place on May 24-25, and each one of them will receive funding of US$5,000. They are expected to contribute to the overall theme of the Nobel Prize Summit, which focuses on “Truth, Trust, and Hope.”