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In this election year, artificial intelligence and disinformation challenge the media

2024-01-16 22:00:00, Tech CNA

In this election year, artificial intelligence and disinformation challenge the

The year 2024 is an election year in more than 40 states, including the United States of America. According to Voice of America correspondent Cristina Caicedo Smith, analysts say that artificial intelligence, disinformation and the safety of journalists will be the biggest challenges for newsrooms.

The presidential election in Argentina showed what artificial intelligence can do during the election campaign.

Presidential candidates Javier Milei and his opponent Sergio Massa used artificial intelligence extensively for election ads to promote their campaigns and discredit each other.

While President Miley is taking office in Argentina, over 40 countries are expected to hold elections, some of which are very important, such as those in Pakistan, Mexico and the United States.

Newsrooms are preparing for what many say will be a challenging year for journalists.

"Freedom of the press is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. But we're going through a moment where many politicians seem to be questioning the value of the independent press and journalism as an institution," says Clayton Weimers of Reporters Without Borders.

The last presidential election year in the United States was one of the most violent periods for the media. Organizations committed to protecting journalists documented attacks, arrests and threats against journalists as Americans grappled with election campaigns, the pandemic and protests over racial issues.

In the 2024 elections, the main challenges of the media will be artificial intelligence, disinformation and security.

"The issue of physical security for those covering rallies or events of this nature such as candidate rallies has become a serious issue, as has internet security," says International Center for Journalists President Sharon Moshavi.

Another concern for Ms. Moshavi and her team at the International Center for Journalists is artificial intelligence, which she says can fool even the most observant voters.

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way information is delivered, and journalists are very concerned about the fact that they have to deal with inaccurate information that looks almost like the truth and misinformation," she says.

The center is working to ensure journalists have the tools and support they need through the Disarming Disinformation initiative.

"I think it is important that every journalist becomes a journalist against disinformation. It affects every aspect of our lives,” says Mrs. Moshavi.

Reporters Without Borders has created an electronic archive to document all violations against the media in the United States and to provide an overview of media conditions in different countries.

"We are starting an initiative now that will examine where exactly these differences exist. For example, if you're a reporter in California, how does your experience compare to the experience of a reporter in South Dakota?" says Mr. Weimers.

The Freedom of the Press Index by State will, among other things, examine factors such as lack of media and media pluralism covering issues at the local level.

Now that the election campaign is starting in the United States, analysts say that trust in the media is important.

"I think there is a reciprocal relationship between the trust of information and the power of disinformation. And I think all media should focus on trust," says Ms. Moshavi.

About 1.5 billion people — including 168 million here in the United States — are expected to vote in 2024. Experts say independent journalism will be essential to sustaining democracy./ VOA