Cyberthreats: Nigeria, UNESCO partner to tackle AI misuse, deepfakes, other harmful Web content

*Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, warns Nigerians against deepfakes, stating they have become a dangerous tool for misinformation, damaging reputations, and causing distress to individuals and their families

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has expressed concerns about the increasing misapplication of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce and disseminate deepfake audio materials and videos to portray, especially public officials in compromising and false scenarios in the country’s digital ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, sounded the note of caution Friday, May 23, 2025, while speaking during a courtesy visit by Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Abuja, FCT.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation

The Minister particularly warned that deepfakes are fast becoming a dangerous tool for misinformation, reputation damage, and cause of distress to individuals and their families in Nigeria.

Impact of deepfakes on media landscape

Deepfakes (a portmanteau of ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’) refer to “images, videos, or audio that have been edited or generated, using Artificial Intelligence, AI-based tools or AV editing software,” Wikipedia stated.

As a type of synthetic media created using AI, deepfakes are said to be impacting the media landscape negatively, raising concerns about misinformation, manipulation, and the erosion of trust in news and public figures.

While deepfakes can be used for creative purposes like entertainment and advocacy, they also pose significant threats to journalism and democracy, a report noted.

Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim, media aide to the Minister, in a statement said Idris also noted: “You could be sitting right here, and someone could superimpose another person’s head onto your body, completely misrepresenting you.

“Every day, we see how the president or ministers say one thing, and people twist it into something completely different.”

On Nigeria, UNESCO partnership to combat cyberthreats

Subsequently, in a move to curb the dangerous trend, the statement noted the Minister disclosed the Federal Government is partnering with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), to sanitise the social media landscape while upholding the principles of freedom of expression of Nigerians.

Idris equally stressed the need for a balanced approach that prevents harmful content without infringing on the rights of consumers to freely express themselves in cyberspace.

He also asserted: “As a government, we are looking at that seriously, especially how to sanitise the social media space without gagging the freedom of expression.

“Fortunately for us, the entire world is coming together to see how this menace can be fought. That’s why UNESCO is taking the lead.”

According to him, UNESCO has gathered inputs from over 100 countries, with over 10,000 submissions.

He Minister said the UN body had also developed a comprehensive guide for digital content creators to help uphold the integrity of the online space.

Idris urged the NUJ to support the fight against fake news and misinformation in the New Media space.

He as well harped on the need to safeguard the credibility of the journalism profession in this regard.

He stated: “For us at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we take the issue of misinformation and fake news very seriously, and we want to call on you to help us and collaborate with us towards eradicating quacks within this profession and not only that but encouraging citizen journalists and the general public to write and publish only what they know is correct.”

Besides, the Minister took the opportunity of Yahaya’s visit to inform the NUJ of the establishment of a Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, approved for Nigeria by UNESCO.

Idris explained the Institute, the first of its kind in the world, would equip journalists, students, and the general public with the skills to critically assess and responsibly engage with information in the digital space, combat misinformation and fake news, and promote professionalism.

He, therefore, congratulated the NUJ on its 70th Anniversary of dedicated service to the West African country.

The Minister reaffirmed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration’s commitment to upholding press freedom as a cornerstone for the growth and sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Yahaya, President of NUJ, had commended President Tinubu on appointing a media professional as the Minister for Information and National Orientation.

He pledged the NUJ’s readiness to partner with the Ministry to showcase the administration’s laudable achievements.

The NUJ President also briefed the Minister on the activities planned for the Union’s 70th Anniversary celebration, during which Idris is expected to serve as the Chief Host.

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