Media's freedom to challenge artificial intelligence

Manas Pratim Sharma

It may not be possible to ensure a healthy democracy without independent media in any country or society, as the media is actually the watchdog of democracy. Why only democracy, the media is the protector of a nation, human civilization and culture, even humanity. Not surprisingly, from time to time, media across India and the world have also proved it right with their participation and roles. This is why the media is called the fourth pillar of democracy. Along with the passage of time, the media has expanded with the expected changes in their participation and roles based on their past experiences. The main basis for doing media tasks is to be 'public parties' and its prime purpose is to bring awakening in the public and for both of these reasons it has never been comfortable to execute its actions without stopping, opposing and disintegrating media persons i.e. journalists. Indeed, the act of bringing awakening in public partiality and public is extremely risky. That is why journalism is often considered an extremely risky task around the world. Unfortunately, due to the day's risk buffet, it is becoming increasingly difficult and risky to be able to act by being fair to journalists in democratic countries around the world. At times, journalists have to lose their lives while executing their actions. So far, many such instances have come out from around the world. More than 1,200 media professionals were murdered worldwide between 2006 and 2020, according to a UNESCO report. In 90 per cent of these cases their killers could not be punished. In spite of this, a journalist staying up to the norms of journalism does not even hesitate to risk his life over performing his responsibility to uncover the truth. No one can suppress the voice of journalists who act in danger of their life and no person, institution or government can curb their fair and empowering campaigns, their freedom is very important and important for this. Obviously if they won't be free they won't be able to do their tasks well while being fair. In view of the same, 'World Press Independence Day' is celebrated on 3rd May each year with the aim of following the fundamental principles of freedom of press and ensuring the freedom of journalists. The day is also celebrated to commemorate and honour journalists who have paid their lives to highlight the truth or who have made their name on the back of their journalism in the country and the world and achieved a milestone. In view of the same, 'World Press Independence Day' is celebrated on 3rd May each year with the aim of following the fundamental principles of freedom of press and ensuring the freedom of journalists. The day is also celebrated to commemorate and honour journalists who have paid their lives to highlight the truth or who have made their name on the back of their journalism in the country and the world and achieved a milestone. A global list called Press Freedom Index is published by Reports Without Borders (RSF) annually. The list presents ranking of countries based on available freedom of work to journalists from across the globe. Let the Press Freedom Index Report 2024 show alarming trends over Indian journalists. Indeed, in this 2024 index, India is present at the 159th position in 180 countries around the world, which is also below the previous report. The report highlights issues such as media ownership indictment, oppressors of journalists, and internet shutdowns. Significantly, a global conference is organized each year on behalf of UNESCO to celebrate 'World Press Independence Day'. This global conference generally involves participation of journalists, media leaders, policymakers, academics, and NGOs. Let this conference be held in 2025 from May 5 to 7 in Brussels, with a focus on the transformative role of AI in journalism and its implications for media freedom. The World Press Independence Day theme for the year 2025 by UNESCO has been declared as 'Reporting in the Brave New World - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media'. The theme aims to highlight the buffet effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern journalism. Significantly, the world press through this theme is likely to emphasize the urgent needs of protecting human rights within a rapidly AI-regulated digital environment on the occasion of Independence Day 2025.