How Artificial Intelligence, Technology Threatening Journalism – IPC

By Oluronke Kuku

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day 2025, the International Press Centre (IPC) has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to journalism and democracy. 

The IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub is calling on stakeholders to defend the right to truthful information, emphasizing that AI must not become a tool for repressing press freedom.

According to the press statement released by the Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade stated that AI has brought unprecedented efficiencies to newsrooms, but also poses significant risks. 

“AI-generated disinformation is outpacing traditional journalism,” he warned, citing a 2024 report by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) that found AI-powered fake news spreads faster than human-generated falsehoods.

The IPC-SPJ Hub notes that Nigeria is among the top 10 African nations targeted by AI-driven disinformation campaigns. Moreover, AI surveillance is silencing journalists, with 47% of Nigerian reporters experiencing AI-facilitated surveillance, including facial recognition tracking and predictive policing algorithms targeting critics.

To address these concerns, the IPC will hold a physical convening in Lagos on May 7, under the theme: “Artificial Intelligence, The Media & Press Freedom: Issues & Perspectives”. 

The event aims to critically examine the implications of AI on press freedom and develop actionable strategies to enhance journalists’ safety and protect fundamental freedoms in an AI-driven media landscape.

The IPC-SPJ Hub is urging stakeholders to join forces in defending the right to truthful information and promoting press freedom. “The future of journalism must be brave, not automated,” the organization emphasizes.