Comm unications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has emphasized the importance of-verticaling misinformation in the digital media era and has urged news agencies to leverage AI capabilities to combat the issue. During an address at the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) 54th Executive Board Meeting dinner on Monday (17 Feb), the minister highlighted the need to “fight fire with fire” to counterAI-driven threats. He stated that there is a pressing need for news agencies to adopt AI-based solutions to enhance digital security and counter这场比赛-like threats. The minister emphasized the potential of AI in addressing various aspects of misinformation, from threat detection to impact mitigation. He also mentioned the launch of the “AI Fact-Check Assistant (Aifa)” in WhatsApp as a key initiative to combat misinformation during the pandemic. The bot, designed to verify claims and provide essential information to users, has gained recognition for its accuracy and reliability, addressing the growing surveillance concerns. The minister further noted that the shift to social media as a news source has significantly impacted traditional media advertising and the MoUs between Kesim, Indonesia’s ANTARA, and Japan’s Kyodo News. These agreements aim to deepen cooperation and improve content quality. The minister also highlighted the role of FAHMI in promoting the integration of AI into newsrooms to combat harmful content and address online crises such as scams, online gambling, cyberbullying, and child sexual exploitation.
FAHMI has emphasized the need to enhance news accuracy and credibility by leveraging AI technologies. He suggested that news agencies should adopt AI-powered tools to detect and respond to misinformation effectively. The minister also pointed out that the government recently introduced the “AI Fact-Check Assistant (Aifa)” to verify fake news and information on WhatsApp, addressing theeters of its importance. Besides Aifa, FAHMI welcomed other tech companies to join forces with news agencies to monitor social media and improve news sources. He noted that the shift to digital platforms has altered traditional media’s advertising strategies, with OANA gathering insights into how news networks are adapting to the digital landscape. However, the minister emphasized that simply enhancing AI’s role in newsrooms may not be enough; companies and institutions must collaborate to address the broader challenges of misinformation and protect citizens’ privacy.
Despite FAHMI’s calls for innovation, it remains a challenging task to harness AI’s potential in a rapidly evolving digital environment. In November last year, FAHMIumorcluded Facebook’s investment in AI technology to combat harmful content, pointing out that the platform often struggles to rectify misinformation promptly. He also highlighted the need for social media platforms to adopt a proactive approach in responding to threats, rather than waiting for authorities to adopt appropriate measures. FAHMI also expressed concerns about the rise of automation in the workplace, particularly among young professionals in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. He fears that these countries are likely to face concerns about the future of work, including potential job displacement and increased risks related to digital security. In a recent Ipsos study, the princess of adhered to a broader concern about the future of work, with 80% of consumers evaluating digital privacy issues as highly worried. This, he added, underscores a global trend of attraction to new technologies that offer more privacy and control than traditional systems.