German FM Stresses Importance of Protection for Journalists

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in the main speech of the 2024 Global Media Forum (GMF) at the World Conference Center in Bonn (WCCB), Germany on Monday 17 June. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of protection for journalists in carrying out their duties in various countries, both from violence and misuse of artificial intelligence.

"As a result of the conflict in 2023 alone, at least 120 journalists were killed while on duty. Almost a third of them were in the Gaza Strip, and that is unacceptable to us," Baerbock said in her keynote speech at the 2024 Global Media Forum (GMF) at the World Conference Center in Bonn (WCCB), Germany, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, June 18.

According to her, journalists are often targeted in law and conflict areas. Baerbock is aware that journalists are at great risk due to pressure and threats while carrying out their duties.

"Therefore, what we need to do is how to strengthen the statement of freedom," said Baerbock regarding press freedom.

The first thing is to protect the physical space of journalists when carrying out their duties. According to her, press freedom not only reflects freedom of the media, but also strengthening democracy.

Then the second thing is the need for certainty regarding technological advances so as not to interfere with the digital space for press freedom.

He explained how artificial intelligence can cheaply, easily, and effectively create disinformation campaigns. It can even undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Pushing for the issuance of regulations related to artificial intelligence is needed. "We all want to not only harness the enormous potential of artificial intelligence, but we also need to ensure that its use is fair and ethical," Baerbock stressed.

The Global Media Forum 2024 was organized by the German Public Broadcasting Agency Deutsche Welle in Bonn on June 17-18, 2024.

The event discussed a number of issues related to journalism, including protecting journalists, using artificial intelligence, fact-checking, and overcoming the wave of fake news or hoaxes.