In a message published on the World Press Independence Day (May 7) on Friday, Volca Turk said, “The increasing war and conflict, climate chaos, increasing departments and rapid digital landscapes, independent press are more important than ever.”
Also, “the media helps us understand the world around and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.”
Threatening and death
He said that the best way to compete with the spread of misinformation is the best way to be independent media, but he further warned that press freedom is in danger in every region of the world.
Volca Turk said, “Countries only bother the media, work journalists, detain the journalists, torture them and even kill them”, “some conflicts and fields of battlefields, fighting aspects, journalists create various restrictions on journalists.”
He said that since January 2021), at least 20 people working in the media have been killed and the release of punishment against journalists has spread widely. In these, no one is held accountable or responsible for more than 5 percent of the murders, that is, the criminals are not called by justice.
AI’s advantage … and risk
Bholkar Turk said that when celebrating Press Independence Day this year, it would be remembered that artificial intelligence (AI) was completely changing, distributing and using its use of media oppression.
He said that AI could be an effective way for journalists, but the media is also creating important risks for independence.
He said, “AI-based algorithms often determine what we see and give our views and ideas about reality. Politicians are using AI to create misinformation weapons and carry their own agenda.”
“Country, journalists and their sources are using AI tools to monitor online, which is a violation of journalists’ privacy rights. It has a terrible impact on media people everywhere. And female journalists are more targeted.”
Limit power in some fists
Also, “corporation means giant companies and a small group of dominant and rich people keep almost complete control over AI technology and also affect the global media scene.”
UN Secretary -General Antonio Gutresh Press Freedom also highlighted opportunities and risks generated by AI.
The UN chief says, “Private algorithms, perfect lies and hateful speeches are landmines on the superhive. They are calm, accurate, verification, true-based information, the best way.”
He pointed to “Global Digital Compact” in 2024, with “digital sites” to strengthen international cooperation to strengthen international cooperation for “international cooperation, tolerance and respect.”
Change your path now
Human Rights High Commissioner Bholkar Turk has said that World Press is an opportunity to change its path to everyone immediately for everyone, which should start with countries.
Countries should be confirmed that journalists are protected from physical and legal oppression, including attacks, malicious propaganda and observation.
He said, “It is important to have more transparency on how data is used, how the material is compiled and how the algorithm is prepared.”
Media laws related to ownership of giant media agencies should reflect the power of AI and technical forums and to promote various media scenes, which make the space safe for independent journalism.
Meanwhile, the role of technical agencies is important. Volca Turk declared that his office and the United Nations were providing guidances to assess the risks of technical agencies – UNESCO, from their equipment, journalists and civil society.
He said, “Free, distinct and diverse media can help fix the division in our societies. We should do everything in our power to save and develop it.”