By TWE News Desk

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, even as new challenges emerge from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Idris made this known in a statement on Saturday to mark World Press Freedom Day, celebrated globally every May 3. This year’s theme was “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

The minister highlighted the essential role of a free and responsible media in sustaining democracy, noting that the Tinubu administration sees press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance.

“A free and responsible media is the lifeblood of any democratic society — it gives citizens the power to express themselves freely and hold leaders accountable,” Idris said.

He called for collaboration among government, journalists, and civil society to protect free expression and ensure that technology serves democratic values.

“As we commemorate this important day, let us all — government, media, and civil society — work together to protect freedom of expression while embracing technology that advances, rather than diminishes, the values we hold dear,” he said.

Idris announced that the Federal Government is developing a national policy framework to guide the responsible use of AI in the media space.

“This framework will ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of ethics, press freedom, or national security,” he said.

The minister raised concerns over the misuse of AI technologies such as deepfakes and disinformation campaigns, warning that these tools are increasingly being used to exploit divisions and undermine public trust.

“At a time when AI-powered misinformation, deepfakes, and disinformation campaigns are being weaponised to exploit divisions and sow discord, the role of the media as a gatekeeper of truth becomes even more critical,” he noted.

He urged media organisations to take a principled stand against manipulated content and to safeguard their platforms from being hijacked by extremist or anti-state actors.

“Media organisations must be vigilant and must not allow their platforms — whether traditional or digital — to be hijacked by subversive elements, terrorists, anti-state actors, or ultranationalist groups,” he cautioned.

Idris concluded by urging all stakeholders to uphold media freedom while protecting national security and democratic values.