HNLU holds workshop on Nexus of Media, AI and Human Rights

The Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) recently hosted a workshop on 'Shaping Truths: The Nexus of Media, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Human Rights' as part of its Constitution@75 Series and CG-LEARN, to mark this year's International Human Rights Day.

The workshop held on December 10 explored the intersection of AI with media systems and its implication on human rights.

The workshop consisted of three sessions to engage officials, journalists, academicians, and students of mass communication and law.

The first session titled 'Manufacturing Consent: AI-driven Amplification' was conducted by Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, Prof (Dr.) VC Vivekanandan.

“Social media are just technologies that facilitate conversations. AI systems are designed to optimize for certain outcomes. It can be engaged even for prioritizing sensationalist or polarizing content. AI’s role in this context is to algorithmically promote content that generates the most engagement, however, it has a potential to amplify misinformation, echo chambers and diverse narratives which needs to be guarded”, said Prof. VC Vivekanandan while discussing the objectives of AI.

The second session was conducted by former coordinating editor, Raipur, Times of India, John Joseph, on 'AI-driven Journalism: Balancing Innovation with Ethical Reporting.'

Emphasizing on a balance of AI and human judgement encompassing accuracy, fairness, and ethical standards in reporting, he said,

“AI can transform every industry and sector. Therefore, ethics and transparency are important. Humans are at the centre of AI processes. Thus, technology should serve humanity—not the other way around.”

Additionally, he suggested that AI-generated information should be clearly labelled to uphold accountability.

Director, School of Law and Governance at HNLU, Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, delivered the last session titled 'Deep Fakes and Media Manipulation.'

"Deepfakes contributes to the broader phenomenon of media manipulation. This technology, combined with the viral nature of social media, has created a storm of disinformation. Therefore, there is a need to educate the public about the media content they consume," he said.

The workshop was attended by Public Relations Officers from different Departments of the Chhattisgarh government, media personnel, faculty members of AAFT University of Media and Arts, and students from various Universities across the country.

The workshop was jointly organized by HNLU's Center for Law and Governance, Center for Innovation and IP, and Center for Law and Human Rights. Dr. Kiran Kori, Head Center for Law and Human Rights at HNLU welcomed the gathering. The event was coordinated by faculty of HNLU, Garima Panwar and Abhinav Shukla.