Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into journalism, offering new possibilities while also posing ethical dilemmas, as highlighted by industry experts during a recent discussion in Dhaka. The event, titled “Ensuring Ethical Practices in AI Implementation within Bangladeshi Media,” was organized by The Daily Star and Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), with backing from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
At the forum, Shakhawat Liton, executive editor of The Business Standard, cautioned against resorting to legal restrictions on AI within the media sector. Liton expressed concerns that such regulations could inadvertently grant the government more control over the press, emphasizing that laws tend to restrict rather than enhance freedom.
Shawkat Hossain, head of online news management at Prothom Alo, argued that AI guidelines should be in harmony with a media outlet’s editorial principles, rejecting external interference in setting these standards. Dr Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury, an associate professor at Dhaka University, echoed these sentiments, warning against seeking government intervention in regulating AI due to the authorities’ limited understanding of the technology.
Journalist Talat Mamun proposed that leading media organizations establish their own AI standards to encourage self-regulation across the industry. MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman outlined plans to create a comprehensive AI guideline that could be easily adopted by media entities operating across print, online, and television platforms.
The speakers also shed light on the current applications of AI in Bangladeshi media. For instance, Shawkat highlighted that Prothom Alo’s “Shorts” app features news summaries generated predominantly by AI, underscoring the necessity for journalists to receive adequate AI training.
Kamal Ahmed, consulting editor at The Daily Star, acknowledged the industry’s lag in AI utilization but emphasized the inevitability of embracing this technology. Md Al Mamun, country director of BBC Media Action, stressed the importance of substantial investments in AI training to avert critical errors caused by inadequate oversight.
Dr Sumon Rahman from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh emphasized the significance of mastering “prompt writing” to prevent biases and misinformation. Dr Susan Vize, representing UNESCO in Bangladesh, called for the development of adaptable codes of conduct in the country to ensure responsible AI utilization and recommended looking at models from regions like Southeast Europe to strike a balance between AI efficiency and accountability.