The South African government has marked World Press Freedom Day by underscoring the critical role of an ethical and independent media in a democratic society.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, reaffirms the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom, emphasising that journalists play a central role in strengthening democracy. 

🎙️Deputy Minister @morolong_kenny on World Press Freedom Day #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/LmXpVA9DKN

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 3, 2025

Artificial intelligence 

This recognition comes amid global concerns about the evolving media landscape, particularly the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence.

In a statement to commemorate the day, the United Nations stresses that AI is transforming journalism and media in profound ways, presenting both opportunities and risks to press freedom. 

According to the UN, AI technologies can bolster freedom of expression by making information more accessible and enhancing newsroom efficiency through automation. However, it also warns that AI can be exploited to spread disinformation and misinformation, and generate content using existing online material, undermining revenue models of independent media and concentrating profits among tech platforms and AI companies. 

#AI shapes what we see online—& our reality

Algorithms can control what news we consume or ignore. When media freedom is restricted, so is our right to be informed & ability to think critically

I urge leaders on #PressFreedom Day: act for a free, transparent digital media space

— Volker Türk (@volker_turk) May 3, 2025

UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautions, “As this year’s theme reminds us, press freedom faces unprecedented threats. Artificial intelligence can support freedom of expression or stifle it. Bias and outright lies are landmines on the information superhighway. Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.” 

Guterres adds that the Global Digital Compact, adopted last year, includes steps to promote information integrity and international cooperation. “AI must be shaped in a way that is consistent with human rights and puts facts first,” he says.

“The global principles for information integrity launched last year are supporting journalists and advocating for a more equitable information ecosystem. On this World Press Freedom Day, let’s commit to making this a reality and safeguarding press freedom everywhere.”