Kenya Plans $20.8 Million Investment in AI Social Media Surveillance System
Kenya is seeking KES 2.7 billion ($20.8 million) from the government to develop an AI-powered system to monitor social media. The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications told the National Assembly’s ICT committee that the tool will help curb misinformation on social media. The AI tool would analyze social media conversations and public opinion on […] The post Kenya Plans $20.8 Million Investment in AI Social Media Surveillance System appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..
Black News 
Kenya is seeking KES 2.7 billion ($20.8 million) from the government to develop an AI-powered system to monitor social media.
The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications told the National Assembly’s ICT committee that the tool will help curb misinformation on social media. The AI tool would analyze social media conversations and public opinion on government policies, according to MEXC exchange.
Kenya building an AI tool
Officials state that the tool will improve the way the government communicates its work to the public, as reported by Techpoint Africa. It would also track social media in real time, analyze public online opinion and trending conversations, and highlight harmful or fake content. Critics are concerned with how this might affect free speech.
Creating a national communication center
KES 926 million ($7.1 million) will go towards creating a National Communication Center, which will serve as a hub for collecting and distributing government information through coordinated messaging. KES 242.79 million will be set aside for media and customer relations management software.
KES 795 million ($6.1 million) will tackle the poor infrastructure of the Kenya News Agency’s field offices, whilst KES 300 million ($2.3 million) is allocated for operations and policy monitoring at the ministry headquarters.
Image: Berke Citak
The post Kenya Plans $20.8 Million Investment in AI Social Media Surveillance System appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..
