Message By UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Volker Türk For World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day

Theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media

Geneva, 3 May 2025 

A free and independent media is the lifeblood of a resilient society. 

Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever. 

The media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue. 

Photographers and videographers reveal the grim truth of war, and how the climate emergency is already destroying lives. 

Investigative journalists tell the story behind events – big and small – revealing abuse of power, corruption and other crimes.  

Free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation. 

Governments and leaders have a duty to protect them. 

But they are failing to do so. 

Press freedom is under threat in every region of the world. 

States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs. 

In some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists. 

At least 20 media workers have been killed so far this year, and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread. More than eight out of every ten killings of journalists go unpunished. 

This year, World Press Freedom Day reminds us that restrictions on the media are increasing, as artificial intelligence is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed, and consumed. 

AI can be a useful tool for journalists, but it also carries significant risks for press freedom. 

AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality. 

Politicians use AI to weaponize disinformation and advance their own agendas. 

States are using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy. This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. 

And women journalists are disproportionately targeted. 

Adding to concerns, a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape. With the flick of a switch, they can blast out their own views, and silence dissent. 

World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for us all to commit – urgently - to changing course. 

This begins with States. 

They must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns, surveillance and physical and legal harassment. 

In regulating AI, governments must assess its impact on human rights. It is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed. 

Media concentration laws must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms and promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism. 

Tech companies also have a crucial role. Today, we are launching together with UNESCO guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalists and critical voices. 

A free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. 

We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish. 

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