SESRIC participated online in the workshop titled “Combating Counterfeiting and Enhancing Trust,” organised by the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) in cooperation with the Russian news agency Sputnik on 13 October 2026. The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacities of news agencies in OIC Member Countries to address the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, particularly deep fakes and other forms of misleading digital information.

The workshop was organised against the backdrop of rapid technological developments in the media sector and the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content, which pose significant challenges to the authenticity of information, the credibility of news reporting, and public trust in media institutions. It provided a platform for exchanging international expertise, promoting cultural diversity in journalism, and strengthening international media communication, with particular emphasis on professional approaches to detecting and verifying manipulated digital content.

The programme introduced participants to the principal methods and technologies used to create deep fakes, as well as the professional tools and practices employed to identify misleading content and verify its authenticity. It also examined the role of news agencies in establishing professional credibility standards, promoting responsible reporting, and reinforcing public confidence in digital information. Practical experiences from Sputnik in combating misleading content and enhancing the reliability of digital media were also presented.

The workshop featured contributions from Mr. Yazan Ajouz and Mr. Suleiman Wasim, Editors-in-Chief of Sputnik Arabic, who shared relevant insights into the challenges associated with deep fakes and the practical approaches used to address the dissemination of fabricated and manipulated content.

SESRIC’s participation in the workshop reflects the Centre’s continued engagement with initiatives that address emerging technological challenges and promote the responsible use of digital technologies which can be essential to identifying disinformation and misinformation and preserving information integrity, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and fostering trust in digital communication across OIC Member Countries.

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