An editor's context and oversight will always be a step ahead of AI: Anurag Thakur

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur spoke on the occasion of National Press Day. Speaking at an event organised by the Press Council of India on the theme of ‘Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence’, the minister said that today was a day of reaffirmation of our collective commitment to responsible journalism.  He said that as Bharat was poised to become the third largest economy in just a few years from now, he looked forward to the media playing an increasingly constructive role in not only highlighting the story of transforming India but also the hopes, aspirations of a billion voices from across various regions and sectors.

Highlighting the significance of the day, Thakur said that National Press Day honours the tireless commitment of journalists dedicated to strengthening our democracy.

He 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 recognise its limitations.” 

While appreciating the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in the field of news gathering and news dissemination, Thakur also underlined that the nuances of years of experience, context and oversight that an Editor brings will always be a step ahead of AI. 

He stressed that it is crucial to ensure that AI models do not adopt biases from their training data, thus compromising media integrity. Effectively addressing and mitigating these challenges is our collective responsibility, taking necessary precautions to uphold journalistic integrity and ensure the responsible use of AI in the media. 

The Minister delved into the negative perception that is being attempted to be created by certain Western entities and said that even as we celebrate the freedom of the press, we cannot turn a blind eye to those who seek to undermine the spirit of our nation. 

Some individuals and media outlets consistently spread fake propaganda against Bharat, both domestically and internationally, Thakur mentioned. It is our collective responsibility to challenge such narratives, expose the falsehoods, and ensure that truth prevails. He added that it was crucial to address the persistent misconceptions propagated by certain Western biases regarding the portrayal of Bharat and its media. The colonial hangover often skewed perceptions, but we assert that our media landscape is dynamic, reflective, and stands on its own merit. India's media is a reflection of its cultural richness, and we must take pride in the contributions it makes to the global discourse. He stressed that Bharat boasts a vibrant and free press, providing a platform for diverse voices and opinions.

The Minister cautioned the media that has entered the era of artificial intelligence along with many other professions and said that we live in a world where misinformation can be amplified with the click of a button. Our government encourages the media to adopt a discerning approach, avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism and steering clear of narratives that may harm the fabric of our society. He stressed that the Indian media must safeguard the interests of our nation and avoid providing space to anti-India views that can threaten the unity and integrity we hold dear.