Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), fact-checking, source verification, and maintaining editorial independence by journalists and media outlets are more important than ever. We must not allow AI to compromise the values that are the very foundation of a free and vibrant press, he added.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the National Press Day on 16th November 2023, organised by the Press Council of India on the theme of “Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting informed in a press release.
The Vice President said that AI has transformed the way we receive and consume news, information, and entertainment. While it has become an integral part of life, AI has its own set of challenges and ethical questions, such as the spread of misinformation, deep fakes, creation of echo chambers and micro targeting of information to influence the democratic process and create chaos and instability in the societies, he said. Facing these challenges, the responsibilities of journalists and media professionals have expanded, requiring an even greater commitment to the principles of truth, accuracy, and accountability, he added.
Dhankhar however stressed that we must acknowledge that AI is here to stay and we must adapt to it as a tool to improve our capabilities, while also safeguarding against its misuse. Further, the Vice President emphasised that though AI may be a powerful tool, it is the human touch, the commitment to truth, and the unwavering dedication of journalists that will continue to make the media a force for good in our society, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, extended his warm wishes to the media fraternity on the occasion of National Press Day and said that it was a day of reaffirmation of our collective commitment to responsible journalism.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Union Minister said, “We stand at a crucial point in history, witnessing rapid global evolution driven by advancing technology. The digital age has ushered in a new era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to produce news content. While AI undoubtedly adds a new dimension to news reporting, it is crucial to recognize its limitations.” While appreciating the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in the field of news gathering and news dissemination, Thakur also underlined that an experienced Editor will always be a step ahead of AI.
According to the Ministry, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan commended the role of Press Council of India in ensuring that press plays a role in nation service by ensuring that a free and responsible press adheres to norms of journalistic ethics and standards. He exhorted the media to continuously adapt to the changes happening both within and outside. The Union Minister cautioned against the transgression of AI in matters of copyright, creativity, originality and plagiarism. He further said that like every other technology, AI also requires ethical human oversight.
G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, speaking on the occasion, said that media entities that view tech as an enhancement to human talent and not its substitute have been able to rejuvenate investigative and documentary journalism. He said that he foresees AI crafted audio and video pieces, immersing into narratives like never before transcending the barriers of storytelling. On the same note, he also said that it is essential to be aware of the harm that an unchecked AI usage in media might introduce into our democracy. Curating personalized news with the aid of AI risks creating echo chambers in our society limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives.
The event was presided by Justice Rajana Prakash Desai, Chairperson, Press Council of India.
