At a time, when the importance of free Press is growing, journalists face newer challenges that range from a shifting media industry trends to implication of artificial intelligence and the ever-present risk the profession carries particularly in conflict zones and under authoritarian regimes.
Since January, at least 20 people who work in media have been killed and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread, with more than 80 per cent of killings going unpunished.
The ongoing war in Gaza has been one of the deadliest for journalists in recent history authoritarian and majoritarian governments threaten dissent and pluralism with a series of harsh tactics including assassinations.
Marking the World Press Freedom Day against this scenario, the United Nations noted some of the challenges that journalists and highlighted that that amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever.
“A free and independent media is the lifeblood of a resilient society,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk said.
The theme of the day is “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
Furthermore, he noted in a message that “the media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.”
However, despite being an antidote to disinformation press freedom is under threat in every region of the world, he warned.
“States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs” while “in some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists.”
Turk said this year’s observance of press freedom is a reminder that media repression is increasing while artificial intelligence (AI) is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed, and consumed.
Although AI can be a useful tool for journalists, it also carries significant risks for press freedom.
“AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality. Politicians use AI to weaponize disinformation and advance their own agendas,” he said.
“States are also using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy. This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. And women journalists are disproportionately targeted.”
Importantly, “a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said “biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway. Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.”
In this respect, he pointed to the Global Digital Compact adopted last year by UN Member States, which includes “concrete steps to strengthen international cooperation to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space.”
Turk emphasized that States must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment.
“It is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed.”
Media concentration laws – that is, legislation around ownership of mass media outlets – also must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms and promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism.
The tech companies too have a crucial role to play to ensure maintain media freedom.
“A free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish,” he said.
