April 4, 2023

AI, Disinformation, Internet Trolls: What Do We Have to Prepare for?

The Internet has become an essential part of our lives, but also a hotbed of disinformation and online harassment. Given the rise of artificial intelligence and the advancing professionalism of Internet trolls, the problem is only getting worse. In this article, we will analyze the links between artificial intelligence, disinformation, and Internet trolls, and explore the role of user verification in addressing these issues. We will also introduce Trusted Accounts, which contributes to solving the problem of Internet trolls and disinformation.

The Problem: AI, Disinformation and Internet Trolling

Disinformation and Internet trolling have become a major and increasingly difficult problem to address. Recent years have shown how AI contributes to the spread of disinformation, for example in election campaigns or in the context of health crises. Meanwhile, Internet trolls have become increasingly sophisticated and organized, using coordinated campaigns to attack individuals or spread false information. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that anonymity is so important online. Most online users want to remain anonymous in online communities, which makes it difficult for platforms to detect and moderate trolls and bots.

The Role of User Verification

User verification is a potential solution to the problem described. By verifying the identity of users, platforms could ensure that trolls and fake accounts are excluded and prevent the spread of disinformation. User verification involves ensuring that a person is who they say they are. There are several methods for verifying users, including:

- Identity verification, which verifies a user's identity using an official ID and other personal data.
- Biometric verification, which verifies a user's identity using biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
- Behavioral verification, which analyzes a user's behavior on a platform to determine who is a legitimate user or a troll.

But what about communities with users that do not want to verify?

Trusted Accounts: The Solution?

Trusted Accounts is a user verification service that allows users to prove they are a real person while remaining anonymous. This allows platforms to moderate trolls more efficiently while protecting the anonymity of users on the Internet. Unlike other user verification services, Trusted Accounts encrypts all user verification data immediately after verification and will never disclose it. It is crucial for Trusted Accounts to gain the trust of users. For this reason, Trusted Accounts is a non-profit and purpose-driven company. For example, Trusted Accounts donates all profits to other projects that help build a more peaceful Internet. Trusted Accounts keeps all users' identities private, enabling platforms to fight internet trolls, bots, and disinformation in communities that value privacy.

Trusted Accounts allows users to create a unique digital identity linked to their phone number. VoIP phone numbers are blocked, providers are verified, and fraud is detected automatically. Once a user's identity is verified, they can use their Trusted Account to verify themselves on any platform that supports it while remaining anonymous. Trusted Accounts is a simple and efficient way to verify users online without compromising their anonymity.

Limitations of KYC user verification services

While non-anonymous, so called KYC (Know Your Customer) user verification services can be useful in certain areas, they are not a solution to the problem of Internet trolls and disinformation. Anonymity is a fundamental core value of the Internet, and a balance must be struck between user verification and anonymity. In addition, user verification services, such as identity verification, can be expensive and time-consuming for both users and platforms, making them of little practical use. User verification services can be helpful when it comes to signing contracts or other high-risk transactions online, but they are not a panacea for the problem of Internet trolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of AI and the growing amount of disinformation pose a major challenge to online platforms and their users. By spreading fake news and harassment, Internet trolls cause harm, which can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole. User verification is a critical tool to combat this problem, but it must be done carefully so as not to violate users' privacy and anonymity.

Trusted Accounts offers a solution that balances the need for moderation and user privacy. It allows users to remain anonymous while their identity is verified, creating a safe environment for discussion and debate. However, it is important to remember that no solution is perfect and there is always a risk that malicious users will find a way to abuse the system. It is therefore important that we remain vigilant and constantly develop new methods and strategies to address the challenges of the online world.

Ultimately, to combat disinformation, trolls and other online threats, we must work together. In creating a safer and more responsible online environment, online platforms, users, and policymakers alike have an important role to play. Verifying user identities and promoting trusted sources of information will help us create a more informed and resilient community. Only in this way can we solve the major overall societal problems of today.