The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media

THIS is the theme of this year's Press Freedom Day. Appropriately so, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the global media landscape, offering powerful tools for content creation, data analysis, and audience targeting.

- DR. MRINAL CHATTERJEE

However, the rise of AI also raises critical questions about editorial independence, information authenticity, and the very foundations of press freedom. In both democratic and authoritarian contexts, AI has emerged as both a catalyst and a threat to media integrity.

Transforming Newsrooms: Productivity vs. Autonomy

AI tools like automated reporting software, content summarizers, and transcription services have enhanced newsroom efficiency. Platforms like Reuters and The Associated Press use AI to generate reports on finance and sports, freeing up human journalists for more in-depth work.

However, as editorial decisions are increasingly informed-or even replaced-by algorithms that prioritize virality, speed, or advertiser interests, there is a growing concern about editorial autono-my being eroded by technological logic.

Algorithmic Bias and Invisible Censorship

AI-driven algorithms that power search engines and social media feeds play a dominant role in determining which news gets seen and which voices are amplified-or silenced. This has significant implications for press freedom:

• Algorithmic filtering can deprioritize critical or dissenting content, especially if it triggers certain "risk" indicators (e.g., mentions of protest, conflict).