"The volume first examines the teaching of media literacy in state-run schools in seven Sub-Saharan African countries as of mid-2020, as relates to misinformation. It explains the limited elements of broad media and information literacy (MIL) included in the curricula in the seven countries studied and the elements of media literacy related specifically to misinformation taught in one province of South Africa since January 2020. The authors propose a theory of ‘misinformation literacy’ – six fields of specific knowledge and skills required to reduce students’ susceptibility to false and misleading claims. Identifying obstacles to the introduction and effective teaching of misinformation literacy, the authors make five recommendations for the promotion of misinformation literacy in schools, to reduce the harm misinformation causes. The second report in the volume examines changes made to laws and regulations related to ‘false information’ in eleven countries across Sub-Saharan Africa 2016-2020 from Ethiopia to South Africa. By examining the terms of such laws against what is known of misinformation types, drivers and effects, it assesses the effects of punitive policies and those of more positive approaches that provide accountability in political debate by promoting access to accurate information and corrective speech. In contrast to the effects described for most recent regulations relating to misinformation, the report identifies ways in which legal and regulatory frameworks can be used to promote a healthier information environment." (Back cover)
I. THE STATE OF MEDIA LITERACY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 2020 AND A THEORY OF MISINFORMATION LITERACY / Peter Cunliffe-Jones, Sahite Gaye, Wallace Gichunge, Chido Onumah, Cornia Pretorius, Anya Schiffrin, 5
1 Executive Summary 15
2 The Types, Drivers and Effects of Misinformation, 19
3 Different Types of Media Literacy: Different Effects, 23
4 Misinformation Literacy: The Six Fields of Knowledge and Skills to Identify and Dismiss False Information, 27
5 Media Literacy Teaching Around The World, 31
6 Media Literacy Teaching in Seven Sub-Saharan Countries, 35
7 Obstacles to Teaching Misinformation Literacy in School, 45
8 Evidence of Media and Misinformation Literacy Effects on 'Realism', 49
9 Conclusions And Recommendations, 53
II. BAD LAW - LEGAL AND REGULATORY RESPONSES TO MISINFORMATION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 2016-2020 / Peter Cunliffe-Jones, Assane Diagne, Alan Finlay, Anya Schiffrin, 99
1 Executive Summary, 111
2 Misinformation: One Part of a Wider Information Disorder, 114
3 How Existing and New Legislation Misses the Declared Target, 118
4 Identifying What Misinformation Causes Actual or Potential Harm, 126
5 Changes to the Legal and Regulatory Framework Worldwide 2016-2020, 135
6 Changes to the Legal and Regulatory Framework across Africa 2016-2020, 139
7 Effects of Laws and Regulations on Misinformation, 156
8 Access to Information as Response to Misinformation, 162
9 Conclusions and Recommendations, 165