IBGE Hosts Workshop on Combating Disinformation and Improving Data Literacy

IBGE Hosts Workshop on Data Literacy to Combat Misinformation

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) launched its series of holiday workshops on Wednesday with a session focused on fighting disinformation through better understanding of statistical data. The inaugural workshop, “Exploring the IBGE’s sources of information: informational and media literacy in the fight against disinformation,” marks the beginning of a comprehensive educational program running from January 21 to 30, 2025.

The initiative includes ten different workshops available in both remote and in-person formats across three Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Pernambuco. The sessions aim to bridge the growing gap between data availability and the public’s ability to interpret and verify information.

Danielle Barreiros, a librarian and master in Information and Media Literacy from IBGE’s Division of Service and Information (COATI), emphasized the dual purpose of the workshop during her presentation at Casa Brasil IBGE.

“As the official information office about Brazil, we know that many people have difficulty accessing and interpreting data, as well as understanding the importance of seeking reliable sources,” Barreiros explained. “We address the difference between primary and secondary sources, the need to verify the origin of information and recognize signs of disinformation.”

The timing of these workshops reflects growing concern about misinformation in Brazil and globally. With the proliferation of digital platforms and social media, the spread of false or misleading statistical information has become increasingly problematic, particularly when it involves official data that informs public policy decisions.

Workshop participants engaged with practical exercises designed to build skills in identifying reliable information sources and recognizing misleading content. The session included discussions about the distinctions between data, information, and knowledge, as well as the concept of tacit information—knowledge that isn’t easily documented or transferred.

Juliana DeCastro, an analyst at Open Knowledge Brazil who attended the workshop, highlighted the compounding effect of artificial intelligence on misinformation challenges. “Misinformation produces very negative effects, and generative AI also interferes, accelerating this scenario,” DeCastro noted.

She suggested potential collaborations between organizations to expand access to reliable data: “It is important to seek partnerships to expand the dissemination of data from reliable sources. Casa Fluminense and Data Labe, from Maré, in 2025, organized the second Citizen Data Generation Seminar, a work that dialogues directly with today’s workshop.”

The IBGE workshops represent part of a broader effort by Brazilian public institutions to strengthen information literacy among citizens. As Brazil’s principal provider of geographic and statistical data, the IBGE plays a critical role in ensuring that accurate information about the country’s demographics, economy, and territory is accessible to the public.

All workshops in the series are being taught by specialists from the Center for Information Documentation and Dissemination (CDDI) and IBGE State Superintendencies. Participants who complete the workshops will receive certificates issued by the National School of Statistical Sciences (ENCE), adding professional credibility to their attendance.

Registration for the remaining workshops is free and open to the public through the IBGE Virtual Store until 3 pm the day before each session. This accessibility aligns with the institute’s mission to democratize access to information and educational resources.

As misinformation continues to challenge democratic institutions and public discourse in Brazil and worldwide, initiatives like the IBGE workshops provide essential tools for citizens to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape and make informed decisions based on reliable data.