Finland Adds AI Literacy to Curriculum

Finland is enhancing its national curriculum by adding artificial intelligence (AI) literacy for students as young as 3, building on its decades-long media literacy program. This initiative aims to make Finns more resilient to propaganda and false claims, particularly those originating from Russia, which has intensified its disinformation campaigns across Europe following its invasion of Ukraine and Finland's ascension into NATO. Key figures like Kiia Hakkala from the City of Nasdaq Helsinki and Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz emphasize the importance of these skills for national safety and democracy. Teachers like Ville Vanhanen at Tapanila Primary School are already implementing AI literacy lessons. Finnish media, including Helsingin Sanomat, also contribute through initiatives like 'Newspaper Week' and distributing media literacy books. Experts like Martha Turnbull from the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats note the increasing difficulty of distinguishing real from fake information due to advancing AI tools.