As false information spreads faster and farther than ever, strengthening the public’s ability to evaluate what we see, share, and trust online is a critical part of building a safer, more trustworthy Internet. Earlier this year, the Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) delivered an Arabic-language training session for students studying computer science and information systems, equipping them with practical tools to navigate today’s complex information environment.
The training was conducted as part of ISOC-IL’s Disinformation Resilience Israel (DRI) project and in collaboration with Siraj NGO, which supports the integration of Bedouin youth into the high-tech sector and connected ISOC-IL with its student volunteers.
ISOC-IL has accumulated extensive expertise in digital literacy and disinformation resilience, and shared with the participants practical tools and methodologies for assessing the credibility of online information, recognizing misleading and false content, and understanding how information spreads through digital networks, particularly within Arab communities. The training also emphasized the importance of critical thinking and responsible engagement with online information, exploring strategies for responding to disinformation in ways that support community resilience and responsible participation online.
Beyond building personal competencies, the training session was designed to create a meaningful ripple effect. Participants are being prepared to bring this knowledge into high school classrooms, engaging younger students in conversations about:
- Online safety and responsible digital behavior
- Critical thinking and source evaluation
- Informed, thoughtful information consumption and sharing
As part of this process, participants also developed lesson plans in Arabic, ensuring that future educational activities can be delivered in culturally and linguistically relevant ways.
This initiative marks an important step toward expanding access to digital literacy in communities with demonstrably low levels of digital orientation. It reflects ISOC-IL’s commitment to strengthening online trust and safety by ensuring that more people–especially those most impacted by online harms–have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities.
For additional resources and updates on ISOC-IL’s work in combating disinformation, see Disinformation Resilience Israel–ISOC-IL’s EU-supported initiative to strengthen civic resilience against disinformation.
For more on ISOC-IL’s work to bridge the digital divide in Arab society in Israel, visit: Advancing Digital Inclusion for Arab Society in Israel.