- Digital Media platforms must come up with solutions that account for the impact their systems have on our society: Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Vaishnaw stresses the need for revisiting Safe Harbor provision amidst the changing media landscape and India’s diverse cultural and social context
- Need of fair compensation for traditional content creators for addressing the asymmetry in bargaining power between digital platforms and conventional media: Vaishnaw
- Social consequences of algorithmic bias a cause of concern; Digital Media Platforms must mitigate risks in a country as diverse as India
- Union Minister highlights ethical and economic challenges of AI, calls for safeguarding creators’ Intellectual Property Rights
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, NOV 16
Calling for accountability in Digital Media to combat fake news and safeguard democracy, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw has stressed on the need for fair compensation for traditional content creators, who have been edged out by the shift from traditional to digital media. He emphasized the importance of preserving the media’s role as a strong pillar of democracy and building a harmonious and prosperous Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Four challenges we face today;
1. Fake news & disinformation
2. Fair compensation by platforms
3. Algorithmic bias
4. Impact of AI on Intellectual Property pic.twitter.com/TWoYZEUQD2— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 16, 2024
While addressing the gathering as chief guest and keynote speaker at the National Press Day celebrations virtually, Vaishnaw said that the shift from traditional to digital media has financially impacted conventional media, which invests heavily in journalistic integrity and editorial processes. He also highlighted the asymmetry in bargaining power between digital platforms and conventional media.
However, he pointed to four key challenges our society is facing due to changing landscape of media and press:
Fake News and Misinformation
The spread of fake news undermines trust in the media and poses a threat to democracy. During his address,. Ashwini Vaishnaw raised a critical question on the rapid growth of digital media and the responsibility for the content published on these platforms. The concept of Safe Harbor, developed in the 1990s when the availability of digital media was limited to select users in universities and research institutes, provided immunity to platforms from being held accountable for user-generated content.
He mentioned that globally, debates are intensifying over whether the Safe Harbor provisions are still appropriate, given their role in enabling the spread of misinformation, riots, and even acts of terrorism. “Shouldn’t platforms operating in a context as complex as India adopt a different set of responsibilities? These pressing questions underline the need for a new framework that ensures accountability and safeguards the social fabric of the nation.”, he added.
Fair Compensation for Content Creators
The shift from traditional to digital media has financially impacted conventional media, which invests heavily in journalistic integrity and editorial processes. Vaishnaw highlighted the need for fair compensation for traditional content creators, addressing the asymmetry in bargaining power between digital platforms and conventional media. “The efforts made by the conventional media in creating content needs to be fairly and suitably compensated”, he said.
Algorithmic Bias
Algorithms driving digital platforms prioritize content that maximizes engagement, incites strong reactions and thereby defines the revenue for the platform. These often amplify sensational or divisive narratives. Vaishnaw highlighted the social consequences of such biases, particularly in a diverse nation like India, and called on platforms to come up with solutions that account for the impact their systems have on our society.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Intellectual Property Rights
The rise of AI presents ethical and economic challenges for creators whose work is used to train AI models. Vaishnaw highlighted the significant upheaval the creative world is facing due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Addressing the challenges posed by AI systems, he emphasized the need to safeguard the intellectual property (IP) rights of original creators.
“AI models today can generate creative content based on vast datasets they are trained on. But what happens to the rights and recognition of the original creators who contributed to that data? Are they being compensated or acknowledged for their work?” the Minister questioned.
“This is not just an economic issue, it is an ethical issue too”, he added.
Navigating the Digital Era: Combating fake news and upholding ethical journalism
Highlighting the evolution of journalism from traditional print to satellite channels and now to the digital era, Dr. Murugan noted the speed at which news reaches the public today. However, he emphasized the growing challenge of fake news, which he described as spreading “faster than a virus.” Fake news, he cautioned, threatens national integrity, undermines the military, and challenges Indian sovereignty.
Acknowledging the role of smartphones in transforming every individual into a potential content creator, Dr. Murugan stressed the need for greater responsibility and regulation in combating misinformation. He reaffirmed that while freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, it must be exercised with accuracy and ethical responsibility.
Dr. Murugan applauded the government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the establishment of a Fact Check Unit within the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to authenticate news and counter false narratives.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at supporting journalists, including accreditation, health and welfare schemes, and capacity-building programs through institutions like the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
Role of PCI in maintaining journalistic integrity
During her address, Justice Ranjana Prrakash Desai highlighted that wider availability of digital platforms and the consistent use of spiritual media, blogs, and podcasts have greatly expanded access to news and information. This has not just made life easier but also brought challenges with it and it is in this regard that accurate news must reach us in a timely manner.
She mentioned that the Press Council of India has taken steps aimed at maintaining journalistic integrity, protecting public interest, and ensuring that the media serves as a reliable and ethical platform for information. She further emphasized on the awards and internship programs run by the PCI. “This year, 15 journalists received National Awards of Excellence across various categories and the initiatives of PCI aim to promote talent, ethical growth in journalism, but also promote a sense of responsibility and awareness among aspiring journalists,” she added.
