MANILA, Philippines — States are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy and sending a chilling effect on media workers everywhere, the United Nations human rights chief has warned.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said this year’s observance of press freedom is a reminder that media repression is increasing while AI is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
Although AI can be a useful tool for journalists, he warned that 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,” Türk said on Friday in his World Press Freedom Day message.
“A small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape,” he added.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference. Since then, May 3 is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
Türk said World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for everyone to urgently commit to changing course now, and states must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment.
Since January, Türk said at least 20 people who work in media have been killed and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread, with more than 80 percent of media killings going unpunished.