On May 3, 2025, during World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations expressed concern over growing threats to independent journalism, particularly due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that AI can both enhance and hinder freedom of expression by facilitating disinformation and hate speech. He called for urgent action to safeguard press freedom, a cornerstone of democratic societies. According to Reporters Without Borders, 550 journalists were imprisoned worldwide at the end of 2024, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
