This year, the World Press Freedom Day focused on the profound influence of AI on journalism and media. On the occasion, President Dr Irfaan Ali declared that policymakers should examine the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), threats, that the dangers of AI should be controlled, as well as the laws and regulations that would guarantee it does not go unchecked. “If we don’t do it, it is a ticking time bomb if we don’t ensure that AI is utilised, especially when it comes to the press and information dissemination. Information is so powerful because it can destabilise instantaneously with very little time to respond.” Yet for all his balanced perspective, he was criticised by the Guyana Press Association and the Opposition for threatening press freedom. However, the following explication, excerpted from Dr Ewelina U Ochab, a human rights advocate who has written more than 30 UN Reports, echoes President Ali’s stance.
“In recent years, the challenges to journalists and journalism have been exacerbated by the use of technology, social media and artificial intelligence (AI). As indicated by the UN, the rapid growth and use of AI is changing journalism, the media and press freedom, with AI having a profound effect on information gathering, processing and dissemination. This comes with opportunities but also serious challenges.
AI can help support freedom of expression. It can make information easier to access, enable people to communicate across the world, and change information flows. However, AI also brings new risks. As warned by the UN, AI “can be used to spread false or misleading information, increase online hate speech and support new types of censorship.
Some actors use AI for mass surveillance of Journalists and citizens, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Big tech platforms use AI to filter and control what content is seen, making them powerful gatekeepers of information. There are growing worries that AI may make global media too similar, reduce different viewpoints and push out smaller media outlets.”
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called upon States to ensure that Journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment. He stressed that it was key to provide for more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated and how algorithms are designed. Mr Türk announced that his office and UNESCO are offering guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to Journalists and civil society.
He pointed out: “AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality. Politicians use AI to weaponise disinformation and advance their own agendas. 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.”
Within these challenges, women Journalists are said to be at particular risk, with technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). As warned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO): “AI amplifies existing risks for women Journalists in the digital landscape. … AI systems can generate deepfakes, doctored images, and mis/disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting or intimidating women Journalists. These AI-driven attacks jeopardise their safety but also have a chilling effect on their work, potentially limiting public access to information.”
Last, but not least, Mr Türk further warned against the concentration of power in the area of AI, with a small group of corporations and individuals having almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape. As such, it is crucial to examine how to make the most of AI to support the work of Journalists and the media, but also address the challenges it poses. The ever-present challenges and threats posed to journalists and the media require comprehensive responses — to protect free and independent media and its key role in ensuring that democracies flourish.”
On this issue where there is agreement on the opportunities and dangers of AI, all Guyanese must come together to craft a Guyanese approach.
