On this World Press Freedom Day, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism is sparking fresh conversations about the future of media and freedom of expression. As traditional newsrooms face financial constraints and the demand for faster content grows, AI is stepping in to assist with everything from news writing to data analysis, providing journalists with new tools to enhance their work.
AI-powered tools are helping media organisations automate repetitive tasks like data collection, fact-checking, and even generating simple reports. For instance, AI can sift through large volumes of data to uncover hidden trends, enabling reporters to focus on in-depth analysis.
However, this shift raises important questions about the future of press freedom. With AI algorithms potentially influencing what news gets covered, there is concern over bias and censorship.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called for a greater focus on AI on the WPFD, with the ongoing dialogue between journalists' unions and media organisations. The IFJ's call aligns with UNESCO's 2024 theme, Reporting in the Brave New World - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom. The Federation is pushing for AI to enhance the ethical creation of news, safeguard press freedom, and protect jobs within the journalism sector.
In its 2024 guidelines on the use of AI, the IFJ stressed that AI should never replace human journalists. It points out that AI-generated content cannot be considered genuine journalism unless it has undergone thorough human oversight and verification. Critical components of journalism, such as fact-checking, nuanced reporting, and investigative work, cannot be effectively performed by AI alone. The IFJ warned that without human involvement, AI could perpetuate biases, stereotypes, and factual inaccuracies that ultimately mislead audiences.
Additionally, the rise of AI-driven misinformation is a serious concern. The growing prevalence of deepfakes poses a particular risk to democracy and citizens' right to reliable and accurate information. As the technology behind deepfakes advances, their potential to disrupt news accuracy increases, making the role of journalists in content verification all the more crucial. According to the IFJ, journalists are increasingly on the front lines of defending truth in a media environment overwhelmed by AI-powered disinformation.
In India, press freedom has deteriorated significantly, as the country now ranks 151st out of 180 nations in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This marks a stark decline from 140th in 2019 and 161st in 2023, reflecting a troubling trend in press freedom in India and globally. Pakistan, facing similar challenges, is ranked 158th in 2025, underscoring the shared struggles of South Asian countries in safeguarding journalism.
Reportedly, around 56% of news executives have recently prioritised AI for tasks like tagging, copy-editing, and transcription. This marks a notable increase from 29% two years ago in India. Over 50% of respondents express concerns about using AI for content creation, citing reputational risks.
With rising concerns, Google's 2024 strategies led to the creation of 67 new fact-checking desks and a 180% increase in regional language fact-checks. To combat fake news, India introduced 'Vastav AI', a deepfake detection system with 99% accuracy that aids in identifying AI-generated content.
Amid rising concerns, the IFJ called on journalists, unions, media organisations, and policymakers to work together in creating AI guidelines that safeguard journalists' rights and well-being. These guidelines should establish clear limits on AI's role in newsrooms, promote transparency, and uphold editorial independence.
The present situation reflects a broader global crisis in media freedom, with financial instability affecting media organisations in 160 countries and a notable decline in press freedom in major democracies, including the US. The challenges are particularly severe in the Middle East and North Africa but are being felt in democracies worldwide, including South Africa and New Zealand. As India's press freedom continues to decline, it raises urgent questions about the future of independent journalism in the country. The future of journalism will depend on how well the media industry balances technological advancement with editorial integrity, transparency, and inclusion.
