Prize money totaling approximately $2,500 awaits teams who can best detect AI-generated fakes and misinformation in this four-nation championship.
Legacy of Youth Verification Challenge
Originally launched in 2021 as part of the Google News Initiative, Youth Verification Challenge has been at the forefront of fostering digital literacy among young people. From 2024, this prestigious competition continues its mission under new leadership, building upon the foundation established by Google while expanding its reach across Asia.
Why Fact-Checking Matters Now
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, the ability to verify information has become increasingly crucial, especially for young people. Recent studies in Japan have revealed concerning trends: compared to the United States and South Korea, Japanese citizens show lower rates of detecting misinformation, with young people being particularly vulnerable to spreading false information.
The January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan highlighted this challenge, as false rescue requests and conspiracy theories about artificial earthquakes spread widely across social networks. Additionally, the quality of AI-generated fake images and videos has improved dramatically over the past year, making detection increasingly challenging.
Competition Format
The championship consists of three stages:
Kickoff Event (November 23, 2024)Interactive fact-checking game session "Rei's Blog"Special lecture by Daisuke Furuta, Editor-in-Chief of JFCLearn techniques for identifying AI-generated content and verifying social media claims
Interactive fact-checking game session "Rei's Blog"
Special lecture by Daisuke Furuta, Editor-in-Chief of JFC
Learn techniques for identifying AI-generated content and verifying social media claims
National Championship (November 30, 2024)Real-time team competitionMultiple verification challengesTop three teams advance to global finals
Real-time team competition
Multiple verification challenges
Top three teams advance to global finals
Global Championship (December 14, 2024)International real-time competitionTeams from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia compete for the world championshipLive streaming available worldwide
International real-time competition
Teams from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia compete for the world championship
Live streaming available worldwide
Interactive fact-checking game session "Rei's Blog"
Special lecture by Daisuke Furuta, Editor-in-Chief of JFC
Learn techniques for identifying AI-generated content and verifying social media claims
Real-time team competition
Multiple verification challenges
Top three teams advance to global finals
International real-time competition
Teams from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia compete for the world championship
Live streaming available worldwide
Participation Details
Eligible Participants: Ages 13-24
Team Structure: 2-3 members per team
Format: Fully online
Language: Japanese (with interpretation provided for international rounds)
Prizes
First Place: $800
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $400
Partner Organizations
Japan: Japan Fact-check Center
Taiwan: Taiwan Fact-Checking Center
Thailand: Cofact
Indonesia: Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI)
Registration
Teams can register through: https://www.verificationchallenge.com/jpRegistration deadline: November 18, 2024, 23:59 JST