Balancing rights in age of Artificial Intelligence
Media remains a vital force in shaping public opinion and influencing national development. In today's fast-evolving technological era, the role of the press has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, becoming a central pillar of modern societies. With this in mind, World Press Freedom Day 2025, marked on May 3, prompts a timely reflection on the current state of journalism.
Unesco's theme for this year, 'Freedom of Expression in the Face of Artificial Intelligence,' explores the impact of AI on journalism and media freedom. Their report, 'Journalism in a Bold New World,' highlights how AI tools are transforming information gathering, processing and dissemination. While AI enables greater efficiency and improved fact-checking, translation and audience targeting, it also poses serious risks to privacy, journalistic independence and freedom of expression.
The OECD's AI Safety Report (January 2025) further warns that AI can be used to spread misinformation, magnify hate speech and increase surveillance — threats that directly challenge press freedom.
AI platforms, the report notes, often republish media content without compensation, diverting revenue from news organisations to tech firms. This trend jeopardises the financial sustainability of independent media and raises urgent questions about copyright enforcement and fair content use.
Coinciding with these discussions, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, covering 160 countries. The index uses five criteria: legal, political, economic, cultural and safety conditions. Findings show global press freedom is at its lowest level to date, with over half of the world's population living in nations deemed 'very serious' in terms of restrictions. Norway tops the list, followed by Estonia and the Netherlands.
The RSF report calls economic fragility a primary threat. Advertising pressure, reduced public support and platform monopolies have pushed many outlets into financial hardship. In 2024 alone, global ad spending on social media reached $247.3 billion — up 14% from the previous year — further draining funds from traditional journalism and amplifying disinformation.
The report also highlights severe repression in Palestine, where Israeli military action has destroyed newsrooms, killed around 200 journalists and enforced an 18-month siege on Gaza. The Middle East and North Africa region remains one of the most dangerous for journalists, with similar challenges seen in Syria and Yemen.
In this context, Oman advanced to 134th place in the global index. However, the ranking does not fully reflect the country's recent media reforms. Notably, Oman's 2024 Media Law (Royal Decree 58/2024) ensures press freedom and independence. Furthermore, the government's AI safety policy addresses the ethical use of digital tools, including measures to protect freedom of expression and privacy in AI applications.
Oman continues to voice support for press freedom internationally, condemning attacks on journalists and media institutions. Its media sector regularly addresses sensitive topics — from corruption to public service reform — highlighting the country's commitment to responsible expression within legal bounds.
Still, challenges remain. Local media, especially private outlets, need stronger economic support to compete with social platforms dominating advertising. Strengthening journalist protection, professional development and funding frameworks will be vital to sustaining Oman's progress.
As AI reshapes global journalism, Oman offers a model for balancing innovation with accountability. It champions a form of press freedom rooted in national values, ethical practice and shared responsibility — ensuring that journalism remains a tool for truth, development and dialogue.
The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on May 04, 2025. Aisha al Darmaki is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council. Translated by Badr al Dhafari
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