“Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos,
growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape,
a freepressis more vital than ever,” said
Volker Türk.
Furthermore, “the media help us
understand theworldaround us and encourage critical
thinking and dialogue.”
Threats and
deaths
Free and independent media are the best
antidote to disinformation but 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.”
He
noted that 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.
AI rewards…and
risks
Mr. Türk 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, he warned.
“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.”
Concentration of
power
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Furthermore, “a small group of corporations
and individuals have almost total control over AI technology
and influence on the global media landscape.”
UN Secretary-General António
Guterres also highlighted the opportunities and risks
posed by AI in his message
on press freedom.
“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,” he
said.
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.”
Change course
now
Mr. Türk said WorldPressFreedomDay
is an opportunity for everyone to urgently commit to
changing course now, starting with States.
They 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.
Meanwhile, tech companies have a crucial
role. In this regard, Mr. Turk announced that his Office and
UN educational and cultural agency UNESCO are offering
guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools
pose to journalists and civil society.
“Afree,
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.
