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When generative AI first appeared, many feared it would unleash a flood of fake content, overwhelming fact-checkers. However, recent data from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) shows that generative AI has been a factor in only 1.3% of fact-checks conducted by its member organizations. Earlier research also found that AI-generated content likely had no significant impact on the 2024 European elections.
Yet, researchers caution that the absence of widespread AI-driven misinformation today does not mean Europe is immune in future elections. The technology’s capacity to mimic credible sources remains a ticking time bomb.
A recent investigation by BNR Nieuwsradio demonstrated how OpenAI’s Sora 2, the company’s latest video-generation model, can easily produce fake news videos that look indistinguishable from authentic broadcasts by Dutch outlets like BNR and NOS. One fabricated clip even appeared to show the VVD celebrating a major election victory—completely fictional, yet alarmingly realistic.
OpenAI has reportedly built safeguards into Sora 2 to prevent impersonation of English-language media, but Dutch outlets seem to have been overlooked.
The incident underscores an uncomfortable truth: while AI has not yet overwhelmed fact-checkers, it has the power to do so at any moment. Vigilance, transparency, and continued investment in verification tools are now essential pillars of responsible journalism in the AI era.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed concern over what it describes as growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression targeting independent media and freedom of expression in Somalia. Full Article
Mogadishu (Waagacusub Media) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday morning, marking his first visit to the capital in several months. Farmaajo and his delegation landed at Aden Adde International Airport, where they were received by members of parliament, political figures, and sections of the public who had gathered to welcome him. Full Article
After months of waiting, the long-anticipated wage proposal from Dutch media employers has finally arrived—and it has sparked widespread disappointment across the journalism sector. Full Article
Laura Loomer, a controversial Trump ally, granted press access as mainstream reporters face restrictions. By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Washington D.C. (Waagacusub.net) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an unprecedented step to marginalize the independent press, replacing professional journalists with far-right activists and social media influencers who openly support him. Full Article
Waagacusub Media is the most trusted source of independent news and information in East Africa, serving audiences worldwide with credible journalism. As the definitive source for news, Waagacusub's reporting, photography, interactives, audio, and video content are published and broadcast by Somalia's leading newspapers, TV channels, apps, radio stations, websites, and magazines. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - The Federation of Somali Journalists has launched a campaign to combat the spread of false information, fake news, hate speech and propaganda. The federation says Somalia is already seeing a huge spike in social media misinformation campaigns ahead of elections expected before the end of July. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists is deeply concerned that journalists were today barred from covering the meeting of the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States (FMSs) as well as the Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu. Full Article
ASOJ.ORG - Associated Somali Journalists has today published New guidance (advices) setting out how journalists and media houses in Somalia can meet their media duties as they navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Full Article
Ethiopian intelligence officials discovered that President Agjar and all the ministers he appointed belong to the religious group Al-Islah Al-Itihad. This became a surprise to them, according to an official who spoke to Waagacusub.com Full Article
DUBLIN (Waagacusub.net) — The International Monetary Fund has warned European policymakers that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could boost economic productivity while also disrupting labour markets, widening inequality, straining electricity networks and increasing Europe's dependence on foreign technology.
The European Union is dramatically expanding its economic and strategic engagement with Greenland, committing another €200 million as the Arctic island becomes an increasingly important arena of competition over security, critical minerals, infrastructure and geopolitical influence.
MOGADISHU / MINNEAPOLIS — Somali rapper Sharmarke Abdinasir Mohamed, widely known as Sharma Boy, is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations that he used threats, blackmail and sustained pressure to obtain thousands of dollars from a Somali-American woman in the United States.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups.
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation.
The European Union has expressed concern over reported plans by the United States to temporarily restrict diesel exports, warning that such a move could have economic consequences on both sides of the Atlantic at a time when Europe is already facing elevated energy costs. Full Article
Ethiopia is confronting its most dangerous northern military escalation since the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, as renewed fighting spreads across Tigray, Amhara and Afar and raises fears that a country still carrying the scars of its last devastating war could be sliding toward another major conflict. Full Article
Dutch riot police arrested 24 people on Saturday after a demonstration in The Hague descended into violence, with protesters throwing fireworks and other objects at police officers. Full Article
DUBLIN (Waagacusub.net) — The International Monetary Fund has warned European policymakers that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could boost economic productivity while also disrupting labour markets, widening inequality, straining electricity networks and increasing Europe's dependence on foreign technology. Full Article
BRUSSELS (Waagacusub.net) — The European Union has opened the door to an unprecedented new relationship with Canada, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that the country become the bloc's first-ever "associate member." The proposal, announced on September 16, could significantly deepen cooperation between Canada and the 27-member European Union in defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digital trade. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
AI's Growing Shadow: Why Journalists Must Stay Vigilant in the Age of Synthetic News
Although artificial intelligence (AI) currently plays only a small role in fact-checking, its potential to generate highly convincing fake news remains deeply concerning. Experts warn that as AI tools become more powerful and accessible, journalists