1. A recent Guardian investigation illustrates how an increasing number of private firms are profiting from the dissemination of disinformation on behalf of political and corporate clients, turning IT into a thriving 21st-century industry. Undercover research, in conjunction with 30 other media organizations, has exposed the inner workings of one of them, the Israeli unit known as Team Jorge. The numerous incidents witnessed during the investigation across several countries, including the United Kingdom, Kenya and Nigeria, show the sophisticated mechanisms that these agencies employ to pollute policy and public debate (Media Sources on the IPSAPortal).

 

2. IAn interesting experiment conducted by Ipsos in January offers further food for thought on the possible use of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT. The tool was used to draft a public opinion survey on AI and its uses and effectiveness. The result was of extreme interest because, although it required a trial and error process and later human intervention for the ultimate definition of the questionnaire, the instrument had suggested a sufficiently good sequence of themes to be addressed, starting with a question of familiarity and opinions on the use potential, and ending with opinions concerning the accuracy and bias of the AI (Research Institutes on the IPSAPortal).

 

3. One year into the conflict in Ukraine, global public opinion on Russian aggression has not wavered much. According to a multi-country survey conducted by Ipsos across 28 countries, the vast majority of citizens agree that their country should support other sovereign countries when they are attacked, but also that they should avoid getting their military embroiled in the conflict. European public opinion is rather divided over the arming of Ukraine, with over half of German citizens in favour of their country supplying Ukraine with Leopard battle tanks, and 39% viewing it as a mistake. The French, meanwhile, appear split, with 53% viewing the supply of tanks to Ukraine as a “good thing” and 47% viewing it as a “bad thing.” As for Americans, a new Pew Research poll found that one-third agree with the level of assistance provided by the U.S., while one-fifth would like to see the country do more, and one quarter considers that it is providing too much support (Thematic Networks on the IPSAPortal).