King’s Department of Digital Humanities and the Global Digital Cultures Research Group are delighted to host Dr Muhidin Mohamed (Aston University) to talk about his collaborative research on the development of transformer-based language models for the detection of harmful content in Somali-language social media. The presentation will highlight ongoing and cutting-edge research into the possibilities of using African language AI for tackling ‘fake news’ and other ‘toxic’ online content, as well as the challenges that exist in this field.

Acting as discussant, Dr Peter Chonka (KCL DH), will reflect on the broader implications of this research for African language digital cultures and platform governance. The event will be chaired by Dr Stephanie Diepeveen (KCL DH) and there will be space for open Q&A among all participants. The event will be held online only.

About the speakers

• Dr Muhidin Mohamed, Lecturer in Business Analytics, Business Analytics and Information Systems, Aston University, Aston Business School.
• Dr Peter Chonka, Senior Lecturer in Global Digital Cultures, King’s College London.
• Dr Stephanie Diepeveen, Senior Lecturer in Global Digital Politics, King’s College London.

About King's Africa Week

Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.

King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.

Find out more about Africa Week