The United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall has advised the media to approach the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with caution, stating that as it can empower fact-based reporting, so also can it accelerates disinformation, deepen surveillance, and silence truth.
Fall, in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day, said we celebrate the brave men and women who work in the media in Nigeria as journalists, reporters, producers, cameramen and women, and all other media workers.
He said: “You are a very important sector of a democratic society, helping citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression and freedom of information.
“In a world more connected and more conflicted than ever, press freedom remains a pillar of justice, democracy, and human rights. This year, we mark World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
He said: “AI is reshaping journalism. It can empower fact-based reporting or accelerate disinformation, deepen surveillance, and silence truth.
“AI must not become a tool that erodes trust or endangers journalists who face disproportionate risks online and offline.
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has called for AI to be shaped by human rights and facts. His Global Principles for Information Integrity and the Global Digital Compact promote transparency and accountability in this digital age.
“Here in Nigeria, the United Nations works with media partners, civil society, and government to support public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms. We promote Media and Information Literacy, safe digital ecosystems, ethical AI use, as well as free, independent and pluralistic media.
“AI is already changing the way you report the news for the better. However, it also has the potential to fuel hate speech and disinformation with deepfakes and misrepresentation.
“We depend on you the journalists as our line of defence against false news by reliance on ethical journalism, reporting truth and objectivity.
“As we celebrate the media in Nigeria, I also call upon you to see yourselves as a light in this country, always reporting for public good. You should not only spotlight the problems and challenges Nigeria faces but also highlight the progress and opportunities that abound in this country.
You should not only convey disasters and bad news. Be conveyors of hope. Uphold solution journalism.
“I call upon all stakeholders to support the media as they navigate this new world of innovation, the digital media and AI.
“We all should ensure that journalism thrives because when journalists are silenced, societies are weakened. But when they thrive, so does democracy.
“I wish all Nigerian journalists and media workers a good World Press Freedom Day.”
