By Heather Buzuzi
As Zimbabwe commemorated World Press Freedom Day, Hon. Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami raised significant concerns regarding the unregulated ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. He warned that while this technology presents major opportunities, it also poses critical threats to media freedom and democracy.
Speaking under this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World , The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media” on Friday, Mutseyami emphasized the urgent need for Zimbabwe to formulate policies ensuring that AI is employed ethically and responsibly in the media sector.
“AI is slowly integrating into Zimbabwean media, from content curation and social media monitoring to automated reporting,” stated Mutseyami. “While it can boost efficiency and enhance data analysis, it also presents serious dangers if left unregulated.”
He noted that local newsrooms, which often operate with limited staff and financial constraints, could significantly benefit from AI technologies. These technologies can automate routine tasks such as summarizing press statements, transcribing court proceedings, and tracking developments from government ministries and local councils.
“AI could also support investigative journalism by quickly sifting through licensing data, company records, and financial disclosures to detect corruption or irregularities—tasks that would otherwise take reporters months to complete manually,” he explained.
Moreover, Mutseyami highlighted the potential of AI tools to promote inclusivity by translating news into indigenous languages such as Ndau and Tonga, thus bridging information gaps and empowering marginalized communities. However, he cautioned that these benefits should not overshadow the possible infringements on press freedom.
Expressing deep concern, he observed that “AI-powered digital surveillance could pose a threat, especially in a country with a history of monitoring journalists.” He warned that such tools could be used to track journalists’ movements, monitor their communications, and profile them through facial recognition or social media surveillance leading to increased censorship, arrests, and intimidation.
Mutseyami also raised the issue of algorithmic bias, stating, “If AI systems are trained predominantly on urban-centric or politically skewed data, they could further marginalize rural populations, women, and opposition voices.” He stressed that AI must not become a tool of exclusion or political propaganda.
Critiquing Zimbabwe’s current regulatory framework, he argued that the existing Data Protection Act lacks the necessary enforcement mechanisms and specificity to effectively govern the use of AI in journalism and public communication. There is a lack of clear guidance on accountability, transparency, and redress in cases where AI tools cause harm.
He warned that media organizations might misuse AI to cut costs by replacing journalists and editors, undermining editorial judgment and cultural sensitivity essential elements in the Zimbabwean media landscape.
Despite the potential risks, Mutseyami acknowledged AI’s capabilities in combating misinformation, particularly during elections or national crises. “AI can be an effective tool for detecting fake news, identifying deepfakes, and verifying claims made by public officials,” he remarked.
To safeguard press freedom in the age of AI, Mutseyami called for urgent legislative reforms, robust oversight mechanisms, enhanced capacity building for journalists, equitable access to AI technologies across all media sectors, and inclusive national dialogue on the intersection of AI, media rights, and digital freedoms.
“Artificial intelligence must serve the people, not silence them. Zimbabwe must embrace AI with transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to human rights,” he concluded.