The United States Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, sponsored a technological camp, TechCamp, against disinformation in the digital age on October 27-29, in Cochabamba. The event was being coordinated with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Bolivia.
This international TechCamp hosted 60 young leaders, influencers, and journalists from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Paraguay and was facilitated by eight international and national experts in several areas of technology.
TechCamps are an initiative of the U.S. Department of State that bring together experts in different technologies to provide training to diverse groups of participants. The purpose is to expose participants to new free or low-cost tools and concepts that they can quickly reuse in their fields.
This particular TechCamp in Cochabamba aims to increase the effectiveness of young participants in their digital endeavors, by identifying and using reliable data. In turn, they will be better equipped to influence their digital communities, so that they can tell real and effective stories as well as work together to counter disinformation, especially disinformation spread on social networks.
President Joe Biden recently spoke about the fundamental role that all citizens have in defending the truth:
“There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens… and especially as leaders… to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.”