In an era dominated by information, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the

critical role accurate and reliable information plays in safeguarding public

health. However, alongside genuine news and expert guidance, a parallel crisis has
unfolded: the proliferation of misinformation surrounding COVID-19. False claims,
conspiracy theories, and distorted narratives have spread rapidly, posing
significant risks to public health efforts and exacerbating the already complex
challenges posed by the pandemic. As the world grapples with this "infodemic,"
combating the spread of COVID-19 fake news has become an essential endeavor.

This thesis focuses on the development of an innovative solution to address the

issue of COVID-19 fake news—a sophisticated detection system named "Factdemic." By
leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including natural language processing (NLP)
and machine learning, Factdemic aims to empower individuals, organizations, and
society at large to discern between accurate information and false claims related
to the pandemic. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines linguistic
analysis, computational techniques, and information verification, this thesis aims
to contribute to the global efforts in promoting accurate COVID-19 information and
combating misinformation.

The subsequent chapters will provide an in-depth exploration of the challenges

posed by COVID-19 fake news, the underlying mechanisms driving its spread, and the
technical foundations of the Factdemic system. By understanding the complexities of
misinformation and leveraging advanced technologies, this research endeavors to
shed light on the multifaceted nature of the infodemic and propose effective
strategies to mitigate its impact. Ultimately, the development and deployment of
Factdemic could equip individuals and organizations with a powerful tool to
distinguish fact from fiction, fostering a more informed society and strengthening
public health responses in the face of ongoing and future crises.

By building a robust COVID-19 fake news detection system, this thesis seeks to make
a significant contribution to the global fight against misinformation and support
the dissemination of accurate information that is vital for effective pandemic
management.