The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism is presenting unprecedented opportunities alongside pressing ethical dilemmas, as highlighted by industry experts during a policy dialogue in Dhaka today.
The event, under the theme “Ensuring Ethical Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Bangladeshi News Media,” was jointly hosted by The Daily Star and Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), with backing from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
During the discussion, Shakhawat Liton, the executive editor of The Business Standard, cautioned against the imposition of legal regulations on AI within the media sector. He expressed concerns that resorting to a legal framework for AI would inadvertently grant the government additional leverage to manipulate the media, emphasizing that laws tend to restrict rather than enhance freedom.
Shawkat Hossain, the head of online news management at Prothom Alo, contended that regulations concerning AI should be in sync with a media outlet’s editorial principles, asserting that external entities should not dictate such guidelines.
Adding to this perspective, Dr. Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury, an associate professor at Dhaka University, underscored the potential dangers of pursuing government regulation due to the current inadequate level of AI literacy among authorities.
Journalist Talat Mamun proposed that if a group of prominent media organizations were to establish their own AI standards, it could set a precedent for effective self-regulation within the industry.
MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman outlined plans to formulate a comprehensive AI guideline that could be universally adopted by media entities across print, online, and television platforms.
The speakers also shed light on the existing applications of AI in Bangladeshi media. For instance, Shawkat highlighted that the concise news summaries in Prothom Alo’s “Shorts” app predominantly stem from AI technology, though the lack of AI proficiency among journalists remains a significant concern.
Kamal Ahmed, a consulting editor at The Daily Star, acknowledged the industry’s lag in AI integration, emphasizing the necessity of embracing this technological advancement without delay.
Md Al Mamun, the country director of BBC Media Action, emphasized the crucial need for substantial investments in AI training, warning against the potential for significant errors resulting from unskilled oversight.
Dr. Sumon Rahman from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh stressed the importance of mastering “prompt writing” to prevent bias and misinformation.
Dr. Susan Vize, the UNESCO representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the UN’s efforts in training journalists on AI tools, noting that approximately 3,500 journalists received training in collaboration with the Press Institute Bangladesh before the elections. She expressed surprise at the limited knowledge regarding AI among many individuals and emphasized the immediate requirement for localized and adaptable codes of practice in Bangladesh, suggesting that insights from other regions, such as Southeast Europe, could offer guidance on balancing AI-driven efficiency with accountability and reliability.
