PACIFIC Islands News Association (PINA) President Kalafi Moala has lauded the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media, while also warning of the potential risks it poses.
Speaking at the recent commemoration of World Press Freedom Day to members of the Media Association of the Solomon Islands (MASI) and stakeholders, Moala said that AI has revolutionised the media but at the same time, undermining
press freedom
“Artificial intelligence or AI, while offering remarkable tools for media innovation, also presents new threats, disinformation, algorithm biases, deep fakes, and the undermining of journalistic credibility,” President Moala said
He stressed that in this new age, press freedom is not just about physical threats or censorship but also about “digital manipulation, data control, and the erosion of public trust in factual reporting.”
However, the president acknowledged that pacific newsroom have greatly benefitted from AI.
“AI tools can help newsrooms in the Pacific do more with less, automate translation, analyze data, or reach broader audiences,” Moala said.
The president further warned that without proper regulations to police the use of AI, this can have drastic consequences
“But without regulation, digital literacy, and editorial safeguards, these tools can just as easily be used to silence, mislead, or marginalize,” President Moala added.
