United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever.

"A free and independent media is the lifeblood of a resilient society," he said in a message marking the World Press Freedom Day that falls on May 3.

The theme of the day is "Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media."

Türk said the media help them understand the world around them and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.

He said a free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in the societies. "We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish."

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Türk said the World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for all to commit – urgently - to changing course. "This begins with States."

He said they must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns, surveillance and physical and legal harassment.

In regulating AI, governments must assess its impact on human rights, Türk said, adding it is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed.

Media concentration laws must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms and promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism, he said.

Türk said tech companies also have a crucial role. "Today, we are launching together with UNESCO guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalists and critical voices."

He said investigative journalists tell the story behind events – big and small – revealing abuse of power, corruption and other crimes.

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Türk said free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation. and governments and leaders have a duty to protect them. "But they are failing to do so."

He said press freedom is under threat in every region of the world. "States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs."

In some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists, said the UN human rights chief.

At least 20 media workers have been killed so far this year, and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread. More than eight out of every ten killings of journalists go unpunished.

"This year, World Press Freedom Day reminds us that restrictions on the media are increasing, as artificial intelligence is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed, and consumed," he said.

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AI can be a useful tool for journalists, but it also carries significant risks for press freedom, Turk said, adding that AI-based algorithms often dictate what they see, shaping their opinions and perceptions of reality.

Politicians use AI to weaponize disinformation and advance their own agendas, Turk said.

States are using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy, he said. "This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere."

And women journalists are disproportionately targeted, Turk said.

Adding to concerns, he said, a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape.

"With the flick of a switch, they can blast out their own views, and silence dissent," he mentioned.