A media rights group, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has called for responsible and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, especially within Nigeria’s media landscape.
The group made the call on the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day which is marked every May 3.
The MRA also launched an informative visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” to explore the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the globe.
In a statement by the programme officer of MRA, Mr John Gbadamosi, the rights group noted that AI was speedily changing the way news is produced and consumed, stressing that Artificial Intelligence could assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages and extending the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure.
Mr Gbadamosi however warned that the same technology was being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying, “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can also be easily exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.
“In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.
“The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists.”
He said through the visual brief, MRA was also canvassing support for independent media outlets, transparent AI regulation that reflects Nigeria’s socio-political realities, widespread digital literacy to empower citizens to navigate the information space and greater accountability from technology companies for the content and influence of their platforms.
He urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”
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