AI Literacy Module for Adults

Lesson 6: AI Safety and Protection

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Part 1: The VERIFY Method

Mnemonics Introduction

You need a simple system you can remember and teach to your family. VERIFY is designed to be easy to remember and use, even when you're busy or emotional.

Step-by-Step Teaching

• V - Verify the Source: Before you believe or share anything, ask: Who created this? Is it from an organization or person you know and trust? If you can't identify the source, be extra careful. African Example: If you see news about changes to government benefits, check if it's from official government websites, known Nigerian news sources, or verified social media accounts."
• E - Examine the Details: Look carefully at the content. Are there spelling mistakes? Does the language sound natural? Do photos look realistic? Trust your instincts if something feels 'off.'"
• Practical Tip: If something makes you very angry or very excited, that's when you most need to slow down and examine it carefully."
• R - Research Elsewhere: Don't rely on just one source. Search Google for the same story. See if multiple trustworthy sources report the same information. Demonstration:If someone shares exciting news about free government money, search 'Nigeria/Kenya/South Africa government free money [current year]' and see what official sources say."
• I - Investigate with Tools: Use reverse image search on suspicious photos. Check fact-checking websites. Ask people you trust who might know more about the topic. Tool Demonstration:

• • Show how to reverse image search on phone and computer
  • Mention local fact-checking resources like Dubawa (Nigeria), PesaCheck (Kenya), or Africa Check (South Africa) if available

• F - Focus on Impact: Before sharing, ask yourself: Could this hurt someone if it's wrong? Could it cause panic, damage someone's reputation, or lead people to make bad decisions? Examples:

• • Health misinformation that could delay medical treatment
  • False business information that could hurt someone's livelihood
  • Fake emergency information that could cause unnecessary panic

• Y - Yield to Experts:For important decisions about health, money, legal issues, or safety, consult human experts. Use AI and online information to prepare better questions, but get final advice from qualified professionals."

Practice Application

Let's practice with a simple example: If someone shares a message claiming banks will close all accounts next week unless you update your information immediately, how would you use VERIFY?

Group Discussion

Real-World Safety Scenarios

Let's practice with situations that could really happen to you or your family members.

Scenario 1: Family WhatsApp Group

Your uncle, who you trust and who usually shares accurate information, forwards a message to your family WhatsApp group. It has a government-looking logo and claims there's a new policy affecting your area. The message asks everyone to forward it to warn others. You're not sure if it's true.

Group Discussion Process:

• Give participants 1 minute to discuss in pairs
• Ask for their VERIFY method applications
• Guide them through each step if they miss any
• Emphasize the emotional challenge: "This is hard because you trust your uncle, but even trusted people can accidentally share false information"

Teaching Points:

• Source: Government logo doesn't mean government-created
• Details: Official announcements usually come through official channels
• Research: Check government websites and known news sources
• Impact: False policy information can cause unnecessary stress and poor decisions

Scenario 2: Online Shopping Safety

You see an amazing deal on Facebook - brand new smartphones for much cheaper than store prices. The seller's profile looks real, has good reviews, and shows photos of happy customers with their purchases. But the photos of the phones look almost too perfect."

Discussion Guide:

• Let groups work through VERIFY method
• Focus on practical protective actions
• Address the emotional element: "Good deals are exciting, but scammers know this"

Key Teaching Points:

• Reverse image search on product photos
• Check if reviews and customer photos seem authentic
• Verify business registration or physical location
• Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection

Scenario 3: Health Information

A friend shares an article claiming a simple, inexpensive home remedy can cure a serious health condition that affects your family member. The article looks professional, mentions scientific studies, and has testimonials from people who say it worked."

Critical Teaching Points:

• Health misinformation can have serious consequences
• Professional-looking doesn't mean medically accurate
• Always consult healthcare providers for medical decisions
• Use VERIFY method, but prioritize expert consultation

Part 2: Privacy Protection

Practical Privacy Education

Privacy protection isn't about being paranoid - it's about being smart with your personal information.

When Using AI Tools: Do NOT Share:

• National ID numbers, or other government identification
• Banking details or PINs
• Photos of official documents
• Exact home addresses or daily routines

Safe to Share:

• General location (Lagos, Nairobi, or Cape Town, not specific address)
• General interests and preferences
• Non-sensitive photos and creative content
• Learning and work-related questions

Red Flags to Watch For:

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Warning Signs:

• Apps asking for permissions they don't need (why does a calculator need your contacts?)
• Pressure to download or sign up immediately
• Offers that seem too good to be true
• Requests for sensitive information via unofficial channels

African Context Consideration

Be especially careful with apps or services that aren't well-established in Nigeria, Kenya, or South Africa. Some international services may not follow the same privacy standards we expect, and some may not have local customer support if something goes wrong.

Part 3: Protecting Your Family

Community Responsibility Approach

Your AI literacy doesn't just protect you - it protects your whole network. You become a trusted source of digital wisdom for your family and community.

Teaching Others

• Share VERIFY method with family members
• Help elderly relatives recognize suspicious content
• Teach children about AI content they might encounter online
• Be patient - remember how you felt before learning these skills

When You Encounter Harmful Content: Action Steps

• Don't share it further (even to warn people - this can spread it more)
• Report it on the platform using official reporting tools
• Inform affected people directly through private messages
• Contact authorities for serious threats or scams

Building Community Resilience

When you fact-check before sharing, when you help others verify information, when you report harmful content - you're not just protecting yourself. You're helping build a safer, smarter digital community for all.

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