Artificial intelligence and machine learning for information integrity and public trust
Machine learning powers recommender systems, content moderation, generative AI and detection tools. In information integrity it is both a cause of risk and a method for studying it, so its limits, errors and biases are made explicit wherever it is used.
What artificial intelligence and machine learning does here.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning develop algorithms that learn patterns from data to classify, predict or generate outputs. They are increasingly used for hazard detection, forecasting and decision support, and are themselves a source of risk. In information and public trust and society and human development, machine learning can scale detection and forecasting across interconnected systems. Its own failure modes must be weighed when automated outputs inform consequential decisions. The canonical description is on the STEM Commons.
Classifier error in moderation
Moderation classifiers are evaluated for false positive and false negative rates by language and group, showing who is over- or under-moderated.
Synthetic media detection limits
Detection tools are tested on edited and compressed media to show where they fail, before any reliance on their outputs.
Recommender audits
Sock-puppet and data-donation audits estimate how ranking systems expose users to different sources over time.
03Monitor
Model training.
The screen a team would use to follow this method: its measures, states and decisions. Names are examples and values are illustrative.
Model training
Information integrity · Artificial intelligence · Run R-2811
Drift on one sliceGRF · Information Integrity and Public Trust
Evaluation by slice
All
0.78
0.02
8592
Pass
Region A
0.75
0.06
1645
Pass
Region B
0.78
0.10
843
Review
Rare class
0.58
0.07
78
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Method card
Method
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Split
time-based, no leakage
Features
22
Label
MODELLED
Population stability
Model training: the screen's structure, terms and states for Information integrity.Example names and illustrative values; a design, not a record or a live system.
04Data
What the method consumes.
Datasets and records used by artificial intelligence and machine learning on this platform, with the role each plays and the label its values carry. Sources are listed in the source register.
Data
Role
Label
Labelled content datasets
Training and evaluation
REPORTED
Platform transparency data
Moderation outcomes
REPORTED
Audit and data donation records
Exposure evidence
OBSERVED
Benchmark results
Detector accuracy
ESTIMATED
05Decision model
What tips a population into acting.
How the share of early movers and the thresholds people hold decide whether a protective behaviour, or a false narrative, stays local or spreads to most people. Teaching model with stated illustrative values, not a prediction.
Controls
Mean threshold (share of neighbours)
18%
Spread of thresholds
8 points
Early movers
2.0% of people
Contacts per person
8
Readouts
Share who acted in the end
100%
Global cascade
Yes
Steps to settle
9
Numbers, methods and sources
Step
Share who have acted (%)
0
2.0
1
8.3
2
19.3
3
35.5
4
55.8
5
76.8
6
92.0
7
98.8
8
100.0
9
100.0
Methods
Threshold models of collective behaviour Granovetter (1978), American Journal of Sociology 83
Global cascades on random networks Watts (2002), PNAS 99
Complex contagions Centola and Macy (2007), American Journal of Sociology 113
One-at-a-time sensitivity (tornado) Saltelli and others (2008), Global Sensitivity Analysis: The Primer, Wiley
Data
No observed data enters this model: it runs on the teaching values set by the controls, to be replaced with a programme's own evidence.
What tips a population into acting. Illustrative teaching model: it runs on the values set by the controls, not on measured data. Methods: Threshold models of collective behaviour (Granovetter (1978), American Journal of Sociology 83); Global cascades on random networks (Watts (2002), PNAS 99); Complex contagions (Centola and Macy (2007), American Journal of Sociology 113).
Models are evaluated on held-out data that respects spatial, temporal and group structure. Robustness, calibration and fairness are tested alongside accuracy.
Check
How it is done
Error by group and language
Errors are reported across languages and groups, not only overall
Temporal validity
Models are tested on newer data than they were trained on
Human review
Automated labels used in research are checked against human coding
Performance degrades when deployment conditions differ from training data. Models can encode biases and fail without clear warning on rare events.
07Implementation
From mandate to evaluation, by pillar.
The steps an instrument takes from mandate to evaluation, each with the pillar that runs it, and the decisions that stay with the authority. Teaching model with stated illustrative values, not a prediction.
Mandate and problem framingCompetent authority (outside the programme) A competent authority frames the problem and the mandate under its own rules. Howlett, Ramesh and Perl (2009)
Evidence and system modelFoundry The system is modelled with its feedbacks, data and stated limits. OECD (2014), principle 2
Options appraised with scenariosFoundry Instruments are compared under scenarios, with uncertainty shown. Hood (1983)
Exercise with stakeholdersUniverse The options are tested in an exercise with those who would implement and bear them. OECD (2014), principle 3
Standard or guidance draftedNexus Standards What works is codified as a standard or guidance, open to comment. Nexus Standards process
Decision by the authorityCompetent authority (outside the programme) The authority decides, outside the programme, with the evidence on record. Howlett, Ramesh and Perl (2009)
Capacity and trainingRisk Academy Those who implement are trained on the decided instrument and its data. Sendai Framework (2015), priority 2
Monitoring and public reportReports Indicators are published with sources, limits and corrections. OECD (2014), principle 5
Evaluation and revisionNexus Standards Results return to the standard and the model: the cycle closes. Howlett, Ramesh and Perl (2009)
Methods
Policy cycle Howlett, Ramesh and Perl (2009), Studying Public Policy, Oxford University Press
Governance of critical risks OECD (2014), Recommendation of the Council on the Governance of Critical Risks
Layered drawing of directed graphs Sugiyama, Tagawa and Toda (1981), IEEE SMC 11
From mandate to evaluation, by pillar: the steps as recorded, each with its pillar; sources as cited on each step.
The instruments, mandates, actors and accountability arrangements a policymaker, diplomat or development agency works with, citing the agreements that set them. Structures follow the frameworks named. Any state or progress drawn is illustrative, not a record.
Accountability cycle
How commitments on artificial intelligence and machine learning for information integrity and public trust are held to account, from commitment to correction.
CommitGovernmentA commitment with a mandate and a legal basis.
PlanLead agencyA national plan with owners and milestones.
ResourceMinistry of financeA budget line or financing on record.
ImplementAgencies and local governmentDelivery against the plan.
ReportStatistics officeIndicators reported in agreed definitions.
ReviewLegislature, audit, civil societyIndependent review of results and gaps.
CorrectGovernmentChanges to the plan, published with reasons.
A generic accountability cycle; the owner of each step follows the country's own constitution and law.
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction · UNDRRParis Agreement · UNFCCC2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals · United NationsInternational Health Regulations · WHO
What are the limits of artificial intelligence and machine learning in this field?
Performance degrades when deployment conditions differ from training data. Models can encode biases and fail without clear warning on rare events.
How are results checked?
Models are evaluated on held-out data that respects spatial, temporal and group structure. Robustness, calibration and fairness are tested alongside accuracy.
Are the values on this page real?
The data names, roles and checks are real descriptions of practice. The canvas shows a design of the method's use, not a run; no result is reported here.
Reports is the Consortium's quarterly publication. What you know about this subject can become evidence, a case or a correction in the next edition, credited to you and published under CC BY 4.0 where it is your own work.
Global Risks ForumInformation Integrity and Public TrustEvidence Brief
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