Delight Chinedum
Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has called on governments, tech actors, and the public to protect the press, defend truth and advance inclusive, transparent, and democratic societies in the AI-powered era.
Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), Prince Chris Azor made the call in a statement co-signed President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)
He reaffirmed the group’s collective commitment to freedom of expression, support the ethical use of AI in media, and promote policies that safeguard journalists’ rights and the integrity of information.
The statement reads, “As the global community marks World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), in collaboration with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), joins voices with stakeholders across the world to salute the unwavering courage, resilience, and dedication of journalists and Media Professionals who uphold the principles of truth, accountability, and democratic values.
“Since its inception in 1993, the day has served as a vital platform to reflect on the state of press freedom globally, advocate for media independence, and honor journalists who have paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of truth.
“This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” captures the evolving relationship between journalism and emerging technologies.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming journalism by enabling faster content creation, enhancing investigative reporting, and streamlining multilingual and multiplatform dissemination.
“However, these innovations come with new challenges: from the spread of disinformation and deepfakes to surveillance threats and biased content moderation.
“Particularly concerning is the use of AI in ways that compromise fair remuneration for journalistic work and jeopardize media viability.
“As civil society actors, we emphasize the urgency for collaborative frameworks that ensure AI strengthens—rather than undermines—press freedom, access to information, and democratic participation.
“We must reaffirm our collective commitment to freedom of expression, support the ethical use of AI in media, and promote policies that safeguard journalists’ rights and the integrity of information.
“This year’s observance calls attention to several key objectives:
Reaffirm universal commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression.
Assess AI’s impact on media pluralism, independence, and content dissemination.
Encourage ethical AI use in journalism and strengthen media sustainability.
Promote Media and information literacy and protect journalists’ safety.
Support global cooperation in addressing AI’s implications for democracy and human rights.
“As we celebrate the Press and other critical stakeholders in the information ecosystem, we urge governments, tech actors, and the public to protect the press, defend truth, and advance inclusive, transparent, and democratic societies in this AI-powered era.”