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The Zambian government has urged journalists to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, warning that misuse could spread misinformation and foster surveillance environments that threaten press freedom.
Ministry of Information and Media Acting Permanent Secretary, Bernard Domingo, said such surveillance could compromise the confidentiality and independence of journalistic work.
He made the remarks during the Press Freedom Day Pre-Commemoration Conference held on Wednesday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
“In the advent of artificial intelligence, the government remains committed to creating an operative and responsive environment for the media across the country,” Domingo said.
He emphasized the need to equip journalists with the skills to responsibly leverage AI while ensuring that editorial judgment remains central to news reporting.
“Media houses should adopt artificial intelligence ethics guidelines to safeguard accuracy, fairness, and accountability,” he stated.
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Domingo further called on journalists to lead public education efforts that help citizens critically navigate the digital information space.
“There is also the need for media organisations and editors to foster newsroom cultures that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in ethics and transparency,” he added.
He reaffirmed government’s willingness to engage with and support the media sector, while stressing that Zambia should not only benefit from technological advancements but also lead in ethical, democratic, and inclusive media innovation.
Meanwhile, MISA Zambia Chairperson, Lorraine Chisanga, called on stakeholders to invest in digital media literacy, AI ethics awareness, and reforms in journalism training.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day will be commemorated under the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
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