The online media is being increasingly used for hate campaigns to spread misinformation aimed to create distrust and alienation between different communities that result in hostilities and lead to violence. Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA) with support from the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad has created the Countering Online Fanatic Indoctrination (COFI) Network with the aim to enlist persons from different fields well versed in religious and social issues with progressive ideologies as Partners. Through the COFI Network several Digital Literacy and Intervention Techniques Training Programs will be implemented to provide them technical skills and ability in handling a range of social media platforms. Equipped with the required technical skills in handling social media, these persons will then be able to effectively counter online hate propaganda (against different religious groups and communities) in social and mainstream media spaces both as individuals and also through organized groups.

Dr. Mazher Hussain, Founder of COVA, will lead a talk on the journey of designing and creating the COFI Network.