AIFA: A rapid response chatbot to verify news accuracy

AIFA, the Artificial Intelligence Fact-check Assistant, was launched today, as part of the Sebenarnya.my fact-checking initiative, to combat fake news and provide users with a fast and efficient tool to verify information online.

Also known as the Sebenarnya.my Chatbot, AIFA is powered entirely by artificial intelligence (AI), and is spearheaded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). It is accessible via the sebenarnya.my portal and on WhatsApp at 03-8688 7997.

Freelance writer, Anisa Hang Tuah, 37, shared her experience using AIFA via WhatsApp. She inquired about the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), and received a detailed two-paragraph response within a minute.

"It was fast and I'm satisfied with the answer. You can ask all sorts of questions about current, local and international issues. The chatbot even provided links to PTPTN's official portal for further details based on my query," she told Bernama.

Photographer Moganraj Villavan, 33, called the initiative a much-needed tool for Malaysians to address the rampant spread of fake news.

"I still receive fake images and audio clips being circulated, and people often ask me to verify whether the contents are true. I believe that they can benefit from using this chatbot directly," according to the Perak-born lad.

However, he hopes for further improvements, such as having an AIFA app for smartphones, and enabling users to upload photos, videos or graphics for verification.

"I also tested the chatbot in Tamil and was not disappointed with the response," he added.

Currently, AIFA only processes text-based inputs but plans are underway to expand its capabilities to include video and graphic inputs.

The chatbot is also available in four languages, namely Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of users.

Earlier today, Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, launched the Sebenarnya.my Chatbot in Cyberjaya, highlighting AIFA's role in enhancing the portal with three key objectives.

He said that it would assist the public in verifying and obtaining accurate information quickly and easily, accelerate responses to unverified online content, while strengthening efforts by Sebenarnya.my to combat the spread of fake news in Malaysia.

Fahmi emphasised that AIFA is a vital tool to empower Malaysians with verified information, from authoritative sources, and to mitigate the adverse impacts of misinformation.

Meanwhile, a civil servant, who only wished to be known as Maya, commended the government's efforts in introducing AIFA, noting its value in providing quick and reliable information for all, including older generations who are active on WhatsApp.

"This platform is excellent, especially for the elderly. It offers convenient 24-hour access to accurate information," she said.

-- BERNAMA