Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
The Government Media Office in Gaza: The occupation’s latest crime is further evidence of its ongoing implementation of genocide through starvation.
Gaza Government Media Office: This is a methodical use of aid as a tool of war to blackmail hungry civilians.
Gaza Government media office: Massacre committed by occupation today is a blatant war crime under international law.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Waves of injured and martyrs continue to arrive at Nasser Medical Complex following the horrific massacre near the aid distribution centers in Rafah.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza: 30 martyrs and 120 wounded by Israeli fire while heading to a 'US aid distribution site' west of Rafah.
Araghchi to Grossi: These parties will bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions
Araghchi to Grossi: Iran will respond to any unlawful action by European countries or parties attempting to turn the Agency into a tool for achieving their objectives
Araghchi to Grossi: We urge the Agency to warn against the consequences of any political move against Iran
Araghchi to Grossi: We call on the Agency to highlight Iran’s full cooperation during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting next week
Araghchi to Grossi: We demand that the Agency reflect the facts in a manner that prevents certain parties from exploiting it to advance their political agendas

AI threatens press freedom: UN warns of growing dangers to journalists

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 5 May 2025 13:08
4 Min Read

The UN marks World Press Freedom Day with a stark warning: AI tools are fueling censorship, misinformation, and attacks on journalists worldwide.

Listen
  • x
  • An illustration representing World Press Freedom Day in an undated photo (UNESCO/Marc James)
    An illustration representing World Press Freedom Day in an undated photo (UNESCO/Marc James)

Press freedom continues to face mounting threats worldwide, with journalists being killed, censored, surveilled, and discredited at alarming rates. According to the United Nations, at least 20 media workers have been killed since January 2025. Impunity remains the norm, with over 80% of journalist killings going unpunished. These attacks reflect a growing erosion of protections for media professionals and freedom of expression.

But the threats to journalism are not only physical. Media outlets are increasingly being shuttered, and information ecosystems are being polluted with misinformation and disinformation. These long-standing challenges are being amplified by new technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping journalism and accelerating censorship in ways previously unseen.

UN: AI transforms media but amplifies risks for journalists

The United Nations has warned that while AI presents new opportunities for communication and access to information, it also introduces significant dangers to press freedom. AI is now a powerful tool in information gathering and dissemination, but it also facilitates the spread of false or misleading narratives, fuels online hate speech, and reinforces mechanisms of censorship.

“AI can be used to spread false or misleading information, increase online hate speech, and support new types of censorship,” the UN stated. It noted that AI is being deployed for mass surveillance of journalists and citizens, creating a chilling effect on journalistic work and public discourse.

Related News

Different nations, different truths: How AI shapes global views: FP

Fact-checking declines as trust in institutions erodes in the US

Powerful technology companies increasingly act as gatekeepers of information through AI-driven content filtering and recommendation systems. The result is an information space where diverse perspectives are drowned out, and smaller media outlets are pushed to the margins.

Women journalists face increased tech-based violence

UNESCO has raised the alarm about AI-driven attacks specifically targeting women journalists. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is surging, with deepfakes, doctored images, and online disinformation campaigns being deployed to intimidate and discredit female reporters.

“AI amplifies existing risks for women journalists in the digital landscape,” the UN cultural agency stated. These attacks not only threaten individual safety but also contribute to self-censorship and reduce public access to independent reporting.

World Press Freedom Day 2025 highlights global media crisis

On May 3, the international community marked World Press Freedom Day, a moment to reflect on the state of global journalism and honor those who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth. This year’s commemoration focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on media ecosystems, information dissemination, and press independence.

AI-based algorithms shape our opinions: Turk

UN human rights chief Volker Turk used the occasion to urge governments and tech companies to change course. “AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality,” he warned. “States are also using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy. This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. And women journalists are disproportionately targeted.”

Türk called on States to ensure journalists are protected from physical harm, digital surveillance, and legal harassment. He also stressed the urgent need for transparency in how data is used, how AI algorithms are designed, and how content is curated on social media platforms.

UN calls for accountability and responsible AI development

To confront the growing crisis, Türk announced that his Office, along with UNESCO, is offering guidance to help technology companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalism and civil society. The agencies aim to prevent the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few corporations, which he said could undermine global media diversity and democratic discourse.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of press freedom, the international community is being urged to act swiftly, not only to embrace the technology’s benefits but also to ensure it does not become a tool of control, surveillance, and suppression.

  • Disinformation
  • AI-driven attacks
  • World Press Freedom Day
  • United Nations
  • AI monitoring
  • UNESCO
  • Volker Türk

Most Read

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive to a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington (AP)

Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran

  • Politics
  • 26 May 2025
US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump tensions

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

  • US & Canada
  • 25 May 2025
An Israeli army vehicle moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

Hamas rejects Witkoff ceasefire plan, says alters terms

  • Politics
  • 29 May 2025
Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announces a new operation against Ben Gurion Airport on May 29, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion

  • Politics
  • 30 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
MIT bans class president who gave pro-Palestine speech
US & Canada

MIT bans class president over pro-Palestine speech

Arab ministers condemn Israel 'ban' on planned West Bank visit
Politics

Arab ministers condemn Israeli ban on planned West Bank visit

Major General Hu Gangfeng, Vice President, National Defense University, People's Liberation Army, China, leaves after a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Politics

China blasts Hegseth, calls US top 'troublemaker' in Asia-Pacific

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: Reports
Technology

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: NBC News

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS