Read the CBS news Article: “Russian disinformation network targets politicians ahead of EU elections” with quotes by Thanos Sitistas Epachtitis

“Researchers from the European Digital Media Observatory say the network’s use of artificial intelligence to produce high volumes of content provides an insight into Russia’s disinformation tactics ahead of the U.S. presidential election.” “Thanos Sitistas, a lead researcher on the Pravda network for the observatory, told CBS News the Russian disinformation network may be testing … Continue Reading

Battling Disinformation in Cyprus and beyond

In today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Sirivianos, who introduces us to Fact Check Cyprus, the newly established center at the Cyprus University of Technology. The center’s mission encompasses two primary objectives: first, it aims to dismantle fake news, and second, it seeks to educate the public on combating misinformation and enhancing digital literacy. This … Continue Reading

Educators from Paphos schools attended the “Misinformation: Risks and Precautions” workshop offered by our team

On February 14, 2024, Loukia Taxitari and Thanos Sitistas, members of the Fact-Check Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology’s center to combat disinformation, visited Polemi Gymnasium and Technical School of Paphos for an enlightening workshop on ”Misinformation: Risks and Precautions.” With a total attendance of 60 teachers, the event aimed to provide educators with essential … Continue Reading

Discussing cybersafety with Terra Santa Primary School teachers, students, and parents in Nicosia

Our lab visited the Terra Santa Primary School on February 2, 2024! We engaged with 5th-grade students, delving into Online Social Networks and discussing the potential risks for minor users. Pantelitsa Leonidou, one of our team members, delivered a talk highlighting online risks and shared valuable advice on how students can detect, avoid, and handle … Continue Reading

A cybersafety meeting with Kostantinoupoleos Gymnasium in Nicosia

Our team visited Konstantinoupoleos Gymnasium on February 1, 2024, to talk with the 2nd-grade students about Online Social Networks and how to stay safe online. Pantelitsa Leonidou, our team member, shared insights on online risks and gave practical tips on how to handle them. Nearly 80 students participated in the seminar! We introduced the students … Continue Reading

“Divisions in Cyprus amplify fact-checking challenges”, by Louis Jacobson/PolitiFact

Cyprus, a divided Mediterranean island, faces challenges of misinformation, with a UN buffer zone separating the predominantly Greek south and Turkish north. Amid increasing misinformation and fake news, Fact Check Cyprus, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, strives to combat misinformation on the island. The project addresses various issues beyond COVID-19, including immigration and LGBTQ+ policies. … Continue Reading

Discussing cybersafety practices with educators from the Third Technical School of Limassol

On the 14th of December 2023, our lab visited the Third Technical School of Limassol to discuss Online Social Networks, risks, and good cybersafety practices. Our lab member, Pantelitsa Leonidou, gave a talk, in the context of the “Teacher’s Day”, about the online risks teachers may experience and advised them on how to detect/avoid/handle those … Continue Reading