Ecuador teams build tech to fight election disinformationCEFR A2
28 Mar 2025
Adapted from Melissa Vida, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Hartono Creative Studio, Unsplash
A group in Ecuador revived the local Hacks Hackers chapter. The idea started from conversations between Ivan Terceros, co-founder of Openlab, a journalist and a communications consultant. They organised events in 2021 and planned a larger activity in early 2024 before a presidential runoff.
On February 19 a conference called "Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation during Elections" took place at the Simón Bolívar Andean University. Speakers from several universities talked about how AI, bots and organised networks can amplify false news.
On February 22 and 23 a hackathon called "Citizen Technologies for Informed Decisions" took place at PUCE. About 60 participants — developers, data scientists, journalists and researchers — worked on three challenges: AI-powered fact-checking, transparency in campaign funding and analysis of digital narratives. Three teams won prizes and mentoring and later presented their projects on March 19 to seek more support.
Difficult words
- revive — Start something again after it stoppedrevived
- chapter — Local group that is part of a larger organization
- disinformation — False information made to mislead people
- hackathon — Event where people build projects fast
- amplify — Make something larger, stronger, or louder
- transparency — Open and clear sharing of information
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to join a hackathon? Why or why not?
- Why are events about AI and disinformation important before elections?
- What kind of project would you make to help people find true news?
Related articles
New method could link quantum computers over long distances
Researchers at the University of Chicago describe a theoretical method to connect quantum computers over about 2,000 km by improving how long atoms keep quantum states. The team used a different crystal growth process and will test links in the lab.
Light tool measures activity inside living brain cells
Researchers developed a bioluminescent calcium sensor called CaBLAM to record activity inside living brain cells without external light. The tool works in mice and zebrafish and enables long recordings that avoid damage from bright light.
