As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day 2025, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria, has called on stakeholders to defend the public’s right to truthful information amid growing concerns over the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and press freedom.
Through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, the IPC raised alarm over the challenges AI poses to truth, transparency, and democratic discourse.
This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” underscores the urgent need for action to preserve the integrity of journalism in an increasingly digital environment.
In a statement issued ahead of its commemorative event scheduled for Wednesday, May 7 in Lagos, the IPC announced that it will host a gathering of media professionals, policy advocates, and digital rights stakeholders. The event, themed “Artificial Intelligence, The Media & Press Freedom: Issues & Perspectives,” will explore the opportunities and risks AI presents to journalism and media practice.
As part of the programme, the IPC will also unveil its latest report on the state of attacks on journalists in Nigeria, as it seeks to develop concrete strategies to improve media safety and protect fundamental freedoms in the age of AI.
Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, highlighted the dual nature of AI’s role in media. While acknowledging its potential to enhance newsroom efficiency, such as automating fact-checking and strengthening investigative journalism, he warned of the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation.
“AI-powered fake news is spreading faster than human-generated falsehoods,” Arogundade said, citing a 2024 report by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), which ranked Nigeria among the top 10 African countries targeted by AI-driven disinformation campaigns.
He also raised concerns over the use of AI surveillance technologies, which are increasingly being used to monitor and silence journalists. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, nearly half of Nigerian journalists have reported experiencing AI-facilitated surveillance, including facial recognition tracking and predictive policing tactics aimed at critics.
“AI must not become another weapon in the ongoing assault on press freedom,” Arogundade said, warning that Nigeria’s already fragile media space, threatened by cybercrime laws, internet blackouts, and physical attacks on reporters—risks further deterioration without regulatory safeguards.
The IPC called on journalists, technology companies, lawmakers, and citizens to defend the right to truthful information. It stressed that while AI will not replace journalists, it could erode public trust and accountability if left unchecked.
“Artificial Intelligence must serve democracy, not undermine it,” the statement said. “The future of journalism must be brave, not automated.”
World Press Freedom Day, declared by the United Nations in 1993, is observed globally every May 3 to promote press freedom and highlight the responsibilities of governments in ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
