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A year after the inception of the “Technologies Against Disinformation” initiative, stakeholders reconvened with renewed vigour for the second conference. Bulgaria’s brightest technological and scientific minds gathered to present their findings, tools, and visions for fostering an informed society.

The second event not only revisited the challenges of disinformation but also highlighted actionable solutions, signalling a shift from awareness to implementation.

Building on last year’s foundations

Full attendance on the Technologies Against Disinformation 2023 Conference.

The 2022 conference was a call to recognise the digital dilemmas we face:

  • lack of transparency
  • insufficient moderation
  • the shadowy presence of “troll factories”
  • problematic content suggestion algorithms.

Bozhidar Bozhanov, Chairman of the e-Government and Information Technology Committee in the Bulgarian Parliament, underscored the need for technological interventions. In response, Vasil Shivachev, then COO of Identrics, highlighted how advanced technologies and tools like topic engagement could transform information into actionable knowledge.

“Everyone has access to a vast amount of information. But this information has to be turned into knowledge, and it has to reach the right people at the right time”

Vasil Shivachev

Together with Ontotext, Sensika Technologies, and GATE Institute, Identrics laid the groundwork with the first edition of the conference, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions.

2023: A leap towards actionable solutions

Building on last year’s insights, “Technologies Against Disinformation 2.0” has shifted from outlining the problem to formulating potential solutions. It was a call to arms for strategic communications and the construction of a comprehensive counter-hybrid warfare strategy.

Vasil Shivachev, COO at Identrics, talking about Cognitive Warfare at the Technologies Against Disinformation 2023 Conference.

The answer to that call was a roster of experts who provided a multidimensional view of the disinformation landscape. The panellists dissected complex issues, from the importance of AI ethics to the psychological foundation of disinformation as discussed by Bozhidar Bozhanov, now a pivotal voice in the conversation.

From tech innovators to policy-makers, the discussions revolved around one common idea:

“We should aim to build an ecosystem, rather than working solo on potential cures,”

Vasil Shivachev

A collaborative ecosystem, as noted by Vasil Shivachev, is paramount, but it should come in combination with a shift towards proactive, rather than reactive, measures. Or else we risk chasing our own tail, as Martin Stamenov of Sensika Technologies pointed out.

Highlights from the conference

  • Minister of Defence Todor Tagarev emphasised the global challenges of disinformation and the lack of state-level instruments to counter manipulative content.

“the main way to deal with disinformation is strategic communications”

Minister Tagarev
  • Col. Dobril Radoslavov highlighted that disinformation is only one method of manipulation in hybrid warfare strategies.
Col. Dobril Radoslavov sharing insights from his military experience at the Technologies Against Disinformation 2023 Conference.
  • Eneya Georgieva from Ontotext discussed the intricacies of reused content to spread misinformation across more than 10 countries simultaneously.
  • Dr. Todor Galev presented research that allowed for an assessment of the economic and social impact of disinformation, serving as an “aha moment” for many attendees.
  • Researchers from GATE Institute showcased analyses on public sentiment and advanced detection of DeepFake technologies.
  • Dr. Keith Peter Kiely explained the propaganda against the European currency.
  • Dr. Irina Temnikova presented tools to discern false information on social media and pioneering work on detecting textual deepfakes in Bulgarian.
Dr. Irina Temnikova presenting a deepfakes detection solution in Bulgarian at the Technologies Against Disinformation 2023 Conference.
  • Vasil Velichkov from Sensika Technologies outlined impending regulations, stirring dialogue on compliance and readiness.
  • Prof. Dimitar Vatsov and the A Data Pro team contributed robust tools against misinformation.
  • Martin Stamenov demonstrated strategies for detecting propaganda campaigns.

Key takeaways from the dialogue

The event was a collaborative success, thanks to the contributions of tech companies, academic institutions, and political leadership. 

There was a shared acknowledgement that while significant steps have been made, the journey ahead is long and requires the continued commitment of all stakeholders. The solution to disinformation is a composite of government engagement, tech innovation, and public empowerment.

It is as bright as day that the overwhelming consensus among the panellists this year signals a readiness to move beyond dialogue to implementation. In this perspective, Identrics and all other partners of the event are at the forefront, transforming the way we perceive and tackle digital deceit.

Future vision in 2024 and beyond

“Technologies Against Disinformation 2.0” charted the journey from awareness to action. The combined efforts of tech companies, regulators, and researchers have set the stage for ongoing collaboration that reaches beyond the conference room into the fabric of society, aiming to create a resilient information ecosystem.

Building upon the success of the 2023 conference, we are excited to announce the Sofia Information Integrity Forum 2024 (SIIF 2024).

For additional information and resources, or to discuss potential solutions for your business, please reach out to us.