## Disinformation in the digital age: towards increased manipulation of political speeches?
The recent appearance of a false quote attributed to Jean-Noël Barrot on social networks, claiming that Algeria is “our strategic partner to allow our return to the Sahel”, illustrates an increasingly worrying problem in the contemporary media landscape: disinformation. In the space of a few days, this infox, relayed by pro-Aes accounts (which support Algeria on the international scene), was able to capture attention and sow confusion, marvelously exploiting the existing geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region.
#### A phenomenon amplified by social networks
This specific case highlights the central role of social networks in the rush towards information, where speed often takes precedence over veracity. The distribution of this fictitious quote is based on a manipulated screenshot, which is similar to a deliberate attempt to harm the image of France while exacerbating national resentment in Algeria. This cunning communication strategy only strengthens the distrust between the two countries, particularly in a context where security in the Sahel has become a crucial strategic issue.
The figures show this: according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, around 64% of Americans and 81% of Algerians think that they are exposed to disinformation on social networks, an observation that highlights the extent of the phenomenon. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X) and WhatsApp, often used for political propaganda, turn into catalysts of truncated information, which can influence public opinion.
#### Various motivations behind false information
The motivations of the actors behind disinformation campaigns are multiple. In the case of false quotation, one can envisage an intention of political manipulation aimed at strengthening nationalism in Algeria, by playing on a supposed submission of France in the face of the security issues of the Sahel. These flaws in communication can be attributed to internal concerns, where governments are trying to divert attention from internal socio-economic problems by attacking external targets.
The existence of an organized pro-Aes network, capable of generating and propagating false information, also reveals a broader strategy of media influence, which is not limited to simple erroneous messages, but underlines the importance of the war of information in the contemporary geopolitical context.
#### Comparison with other cases of disinformation
Infox about Jean-Noël Barrot is not an isolated incident. In March, another graphic manipulation falsely attributed to France 24 the announcement of the death of Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian president. This example, just like the quotation of Barrot, echoes a growing trend where traditional media is usurped to circulate sensational or false news.
These manipulations are not just a problem of veracity of information; They relate to the credibility of the media. Indeed, when media deemed to be fatshimetrics are diverted to convey nonsense, this begins public confidence towards legitimate sources of information.
#### Towards a need for media education
Faced with this resurgence of informational manipulations, it becomes crucial to promote media education, mainly online, to help citizens to navigate this ocean of information and to discern the true of the false. Initiatives could be set up, especially in schools, to raise awareness among young people about the importance of checking sources before sharing or believing information.
Verification tools, such as specialized sites such as fatshimetrics.org, should be integrated into civic education, to encourage a critical approach to the messages conveyed by media and social networks.
#### Conclusion
Disinformation, fueled by the growing use of digital technologies, poses unpublished challenges to our societies. By examining cases like that of Jean-Noël Barrot, it becomes obvious that the fight against Infox should not only focus on the information resource, but must also initiate a broader dialogue on social and individual responsibility in the digital era. Knowledge and critical thinking must become master weapons to counter these disinformation campaigns, not only in Africa but worldwide.