AI tools being weaponised to target women journalists: CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant

Underlining the challenges posed by emerging technologies, Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant has flagged the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to target women journalists.

Speaking at the 31^st anniversary of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) on Saturday, Justice Kant said, “These (AI) tools are also being weaponized to circulate false and malicious narratives, which are later sensationalised. The victims endure reputational damage, loss of credibility, and even social ostracism.”

Noting that often, the manipulated content persisted online indefinitely, long after the story had retreated from the news cycle, making the damage permanent and devastating for those involved, he said, “As a responsible democracy, we cannot afford to normalize or tolerate such happenings as an ‘inevitable consequence’ of online discourse.”

While appreciating the role of AI and other automated tools in expediting research, streamlining newsroom workflows, rapidly analyzing vast datasets, and supporting swift, real-time fact- checking, Justice Kant, however, said, “It is vital to acknowledge that the unrestricted use of AI comes with its fair share of risks— especially concerning privacy, dignity, and safety for journalists and the subjects of news reporting alike. The spread of deepfake technology and doctored images only serves to amplify these dangers.”

“In this backdrop, women journalists tend to be disproportionately targeted: perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, ‘troll’ incessantly, and manipulate images for psychological and professional harm. These perpetrators, instead of engaging with their actual work or the opinions expressed by women journalists, utilize these methods of ‘online violence’ to belittle, induce fear, and discredit them professionally,” the CJI-designate said.

“This type of digital abuse not only undermines the confidence and security of women journalists but also threatens press freedom by stifling the diversity and nuance of public discourse,” he said.

Justice Kant said it’s essential that media organisations and its governing bodies develop strong protocols and industry-wide regulations that specifically protect women journalists as well as victims of false narratives.

Noting that women journalists were transforming the media landscape through their persistent and impartial reporting, which brought about tangible social changes, Justice Kant lauded women journalists for pioneering local reporting that exposes social injustices, gender violence and policy lapses.

“Across India and globally, women are transforming journalism’s landscape by pioneering local reporting teams that document social injustice, gender violence and policy gaps. Their persistent, impartial journalism, coupled with their engagement with local authorities, has led to tangible change, from improved infrastructure to greater legal transparency,” he said.

In celebrating the IWPC’s anniversary, people must honour the spirit of women journalists, including those who reported from conflict zones, edited crucial stories under strict deadlines, anchored spirited debates and drove far-reaching investigations, the CJI-designate said.