FactCheck Initiative (FCI) has launched a new WhatsApp chatbot, ChatBawa, which uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to fact check and verify information. The platform also allows users to send iReports and suggestions to relevant agencies, conduct self-assessment, and collect feedback. One key feature of ChatBawa is that it is available in nine languages, including English, French, and Arabic, to meet the needs of users who may face language barriers. The AI assistant feature, AskME, can even be used to summarise URLs and generate images.
The FCI founder, Temitope Adeoye, explained that ChatBawa creatively combines multiple functionalities within a single WhatsApp chatbot, providing a comprehensive platform for information verification, reporting, self-assessment, and feedback. Adeoye added that ChatBawa can search online and get the most up-to-date information with references. He emphasised that users’ privacy and security are a top priority, and he has ensured appropriate safeguards are in place to protect users’ information.
To use the chatbot, users must save the phone number +23490-436-00000 and send Hello on WhatsApp to get started. The AskME feature is not completely free, but free trials and subscription plans are available. Temitope Adeoye stated, To mitigate bias, we have ensured that the training dataset is diverse, inclusive, and representative of the multilingual user base. He added that they have used debiasing techniques and perform regular bias audits to identify and correct any biases that may arise.
The IDC Platforms team, of which Adeoye is also the CEO, developed ChatBawa. The goal is to make the chatbot available on other social media platforms and apps and add more languages and educational/gender equality features. The ultimate aim is to become the most advanced network-aware, social media-aware system that serves as a one-stop platform for information verification, citizen engagement, and accountability.
