On Dec. 6, MLSA's Free Web platform hosted a roundtable discussion in Istanbul titled "Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Expression." Civil society representatives, journalists, lawyers, and technology experts gathered to examine the societal and professional impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) across two key sessions.
Session 1: AI applications and its effects on daily life
The first session focused on AI's capacity to mimic human-like behaviors, setting it apart from traditional algorithms. Participants highlighted technologies like visual recognition systems and large language models, emphasizing their ability to predict outcomes based on vast data-processing capabilities.
Examples included security applications of facial recognition systems already in use in many countries. Notable instances involved technologies in China that identify individuals by their gait or detect potential offenders in specific areas. While these systems leverage massive datasets, the biases inherent in such data were underscored as a point of concern.
The session also addressed AI's role as a decision-making mechanism. Experts stressed the importance of aligning AI-driven decisions with human values, acknowledging challenges in achieving this harmony. The potential for AI to create journalism without journalists was also discussed, with emphasis on the implications for the profession.
Session 2: Journalism and AI
The second session explored the opportunities and threats AI poses to journalism. While automation in editorial processes and news production can enhance efficiency, participants noted risks of losing the human touch. News, they argued, is more than just information—it requires context and critical evaluation, which are inherently human contributions.
At the same time, AI's utility in technical areas such as fact-checking, proofreading, and developing advertising strategies was acknowledged. The potential for AI to help media outlets produce more targeted content for their audiences was highlighted as a significant advantage.
Civil society and AI
In the closing segment, participants concluded that civil society organizations in Turkey, particularly those focused on human rights and freedom of expression, need to better understand AI and emerging technologies. They agreed on the importance of raising awareness in this area.
The roundtable ended with a call for increased informational and evaluative sessions on AI for civil society. Participants proposed organizing more workshops and training sessions to bridge existing knowledge gaps.
