World Press Freedom Day: Challenges for its protection and the role of AI in the media
Officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, May 3 World Press Freedom Day. The date was created to commemorate the Windhoek (Namibia) statement of May 3, 1991, a document written and promulgated by African journalists about the importance of the principles in defense of press freedom, pluralism and independence of the media.
This Ephemeris assumes a fundamental value especially in this historical period, when freedom of the press in the world Is increasingly threatened for restrictions and censorship.
“A free press is the best shield of democracy. Journalists should be free to inform without fear of censorship, intimidation or reprisals. The European Parliament will always defend and support the freedom of the media and the press, not only on World Press Freedom Day, but every day,” said the president of the European Parliament, at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, he said at the time, of Parliament of Parliament, at the moment. Roberta Metsola.
His appeal was also seconded by the vice president of the European Parliament, Sabine Verheyen, and the president of the Culture and Education Commission, Riehl, who stressed the vital role of independent journalism.
European Press Freedom Law
“Free, independent and diverse journalism is essential for any democratic society. However, it is still threatened, even in some EU member states, and democracy cannot work without it. European Press Freedom Law (EMFA), which was approved in April 2024, is essential to face these challenges, “said Verheyen, who is also president of the EMFA implementation work group.
“EMFA represents a historical milestone for the EU: for the first time, a comprehensive European law is in force to support the freedom of the press and media pluralism. protect journalists political interference and economic pressures. But now these protections must be actively applied, “he added.
The first provisions were officially in force. The most important parts of the law will be implemented until August 8, 2025, marking an important step to reinforce the freedom of the media throughout the EU.
For his part, Riehl warned about the dangers of disinformationespecially on the line.
“Quality journalism is competing with algorithms on social media platforms for our attention. To minimize the propagation of harmful wrong information, the EU is beginning to begin regulate digital platforms, But we also need to improve media literacy, make sure that people have access to precise information and provide education on media consumption, “he said.
“When the manipulation of information becomes a weapon, reinforcing and protecting people, especially independent journalists, reporters, media and volunteers, it is also a security problem. Therefore, on this World Press Freedom Day, we also underline the need to Make work environments safe for the independent pressWith habitable working conditions, a European infrastructure for support and protection against persecution, “he concluded.
The role of AI in the media
This day was also an opportunity to reflect on hot issues, such as the role of artificial intelligence in the freedom and information of the press.
On May 3, the permanent representative of the Human Rights of Local and Regional Powers, Mélanie Lepouu, asked the authorities to maximize the benefits and address the risks Ai use in the media.
“At a time when local and regional media are decreasing due to the increase in social networks and global social networks, AI can be invaluable to inform the research and create interesting content, including local and regional media. You can also release the time of journalists for original reports,” said Lepouu.
“However, there are no challenges in the digital transformation of local and regional media. These include the fact that the content generated by AI can be misleading, spreading erroneous information and He undermines confidence in local journalism. Local and regional media also have limited resources to train staff and journalists about the optimal use of AI and other new technologies. This has a direct impact on its ability to prosper on the new digital environment and guarantee the quality of the content of modern medical media, “he added.
Press freedom in Europe is at risk
On Friday, journalists without borders published a world classification of countries where journalistic activity is restricted or censored. The result is a “Huge world situation“: For the first time, freedom of the press is at the lowest level in history.
ADVERTISINGAccording to the report, “physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom,” but “economic pressure is also a serious and insidious problem.”
According to the data of 2025, Italy occupies position 49, below three positions compared to the previous year. It is the country from Western Europe with the lowest classification.
First in the ranking is Norway, in the background is China, North Korea and Eritreia. You Trump’s United States fell to position 57.
