Kuala Lumpur: Media organisations in Malaysia are urged to develop clear editorial policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure its application is well-regulated and does not erode the credibility of journalism over time.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, New Media Communication lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Husna Afifi Mohd Yusoff, said clear guidelines are essential to prevent the misuse or unregulated use of AI in newsrooms. She expressed concerns that journalistic integrity could be compromised if AI technology is not properly managed, citing the rise of fake news stemming from AI-generated content as a particular issue.
Husna Afifi highlighted Deepfake technology as a clear example of how AI can be manipulated to create fake videos or audio recordings that appear highly authentic. This technology can make it seem as though someone said or did something they never did. She also noted the growing use of AI-powered news bots that generate articles quickly without proper fact-checking or editorial oversight, which is particularly problematic for sensational or viral content on social media.
She warned that AI-generated misinformation affects public trust and poses serious challenges for journalists, media practitioners, and educators promoting media literacy. To address these risks, she proposed that the government introduce regulations to promote transparency in AI usage, protect public trust, and uphold the integrity of journalism.
Among the strategic measures recommended by Husna Afifi were specific legislation governing the use of AI in media, clear provisions on accountability and penalties for violations, and the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee AI and media practices. She also suggested developing national ethical standards for AI in journalism, including guidelines on algorithm transparency, editorial accountability, and the necessity of human oversight in the editorial process.
Husna Afifi emphasised that AI, when used ethically and strategically, can be a valuable tool to enhance journalism by speeding up research, analysing large datasets, and detecting false information. She stressed the importance for journalists to be well-versed in AI and digital tools to better filter and verify information in an increasingly tech-driven information landscape.
In conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA), celebrated annually on May 29, she noted that journalists today face mounting challenges as technology reshapes how they work and engage with audiences, yet their role in upholding journalistic ethics remains critical. With the theme ‘Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics’, the HAWANA 2025 celebration will culminate on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the event, which is expected to gather around 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and abroad.
Organised by the Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA aims to recognise and celebrate the contributions of media practitioners to the nation’s development.