Marking World Press Freedom Day, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered a powerful appeal to governments and tech companies worldwide to protect independent journalism, warning that press freedom is under escalating threat amid global conflict, climate crises, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
“A free and independent media is the lifeblood of a resilient society,” Türk said, emphasizing the media’s essential role in fostering understanding, encouraging critical thinking, and exposing injustice.
“Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever.”
Türk paid tribute to the bravery of media professionals, from photographers who document the horrors of war to investigative journalists uncovering corruption. He stressed that journalism remains the strongest defense against disinformation, but lamented that governments worldwide are failing to uphold their duty to protect the press.
“Press freedom is under threat in every region,” he warned. “States harass, detain, torture, and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs.” So far in 2025, at least 20 journalists have been killed, with over 80% of such crimes going unpunished, he noted.
Türk also sounded the alarm over how artificial intelligence is transforming the media landscape. While AI holds potential as a tool for journalists, he cautioned that it also enables surveillance, spreads disinformation, and narrows the space for diverse viewpoints. “AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality,” he said, adding that authoritarian regimes and bad actors are using these technologies to stifle dissent and monitor journalists.
He expressed particular concern for women journalists, who face disproportionate targeting, and highlighted the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few corporations and individuals capable of amplifying or silencing voices with ease.
Calling for urgent action, Türk urged states to protect journalists from violence, harassment, and surveillance, and to implement stronger safeguards when regulating AI technologies. “Media concentration laws must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms,” he said, advocating for a more transparent and diverse information ecosystem.
In partnership with UNESCO, the UN is launching new guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalism and freedom of expression.
“World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for us all to commit – urgently – to changing course,” Türk concluded. “A free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish.”
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