PS Sing'oei's social media blunder exposes threat of misinformation

The recent incident involving Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, who shared a deepfake video on his social media account, has highlighted a growing concern that no one is immune from the dangers of digital deception.

PS Sing’oei uploaded an AI-generated video, cleverly crafted to mimic CNN’s Foreign Policy expert Fareed Zakaria, falsely showcasing Kenya’s involvement in South Sudan peace efforts. “For the fake analysts who question Kenya’s sincere peace diplomacy, here’s a thorough analysis by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria,” Sing’oei posted.

The video was quickly flagged as a deepfake by several X users, leading Sing’oei to remove the post and issue a public apology, underscoring the vulnerability we all face in this digital age.

While PS Sing’oei’s action may have been seen as a diplomatic gaffe, it raises concerns about the vulnerability of digital information consumers, highlighting the fine line between truth and falsehood that affects everyone.

Experts and leaders argue that no one is immune to the tide of misinformation and disinformation sweeping through social media and other digital platforms.

These concerns were the subject of discussion during a symposium hosted at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU).

The conference brought together experts and leading voices from media, technology, and psychology, who ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001512270/singoei-under-fire-for-sharing-deepfake-video-on-sudan-crisis">revealed unsettling truths< about how we are all unknowingly vulnerable to the manipulation of information—and what needs to change to fight back.

Africa Check editor Alphonce Shiundu said that the internet and social media have made it easy for everyone to receive and share information, but without verifying its credibility.

“This has led to the rapid spread of both false and accurate information. But because research shows that falsehoods spread faster than truth, it becomes challenging to control the spread of misinformation,” he told The Standard during the inaugural conference.

Shiundu added that the spread is exacerbated by algorithmic amplification, which gives people more of what they want according to their preferences. “If you like videos of people dancing, it will show you more of people dancing. If you love clicking on information about politics, it will give you that often,” he explained, adding; “Even the elderly at home are vulnerable to this problem. Their case is worse because once they consume information—whether false or true—it is difficult to convince them otherwise.”

Dr James Kibon, NIRU Vice-Chancellor, said that in today’s digital age, information is a powerful force that shapes perceptions, influences decisions, and drives societal change.

“However, the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/main-staging/business/amp/kamotho-waiganjo/article/2001500644/rise-of-fake-news-and-how-you-can-avoid-misinformation-trap">poses serious challenges<, eroding public trust, destabilising democratic institutions, and endangering national security,” Dr Kibon said.

He noted that the university, dedicated to academic excellence, research, and truth, also recognises the urgency of addressing these threats through rigorous inquiry, informed dialogue, and strategic collaboration.

National Intelligence Director General Noordin Haji, who was the chief guest, expressed concern that the proliferation of technology and innovation, the rise of digital platforms, and artificial intelligence may further scale and precision of ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001513355/deep-fake-and-misinformation-why-kenyans-must-fight-threat-to-national-security">disinformation tactics<.

While access to information remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, socio-economic stability, and inter-state relations, Haji said, the propagation of disinformation and misinformation continues to threaten these ideals. “Foreign and domestic agents of malign activities are increasingly leveraging cyberspace to advance their interests, to the detriment of national security,” Haji said.