Every May 3, World Press Freedom Day serves as a global reminder of the critical role a free and independent press plays in fostering democracy, transparency, and informed societies. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, this day celebrates the principles of press freedom, assesses its state worldwide, and honors journalists who risk their lives to report the truth. In 2025, the theme resonates deeply with the challenges posed by misinformation, AI-generated content, and the growing concentration of media ownership, which threaten the integrity of journalism globally, including in India and other nations.
The Global Context: Press Freedom Under Strain
According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), press freedom is in crisis in many parts of the world, with 31 countries classified as having a “very serious” situation for journalists, up from 21 two years ago. The index evaluates 180 countries based on factors like media independence, journalist safety, and legal frameworks. The rise of disinformation, propelled by artificial intelligence (AI), and the consolidation of media ownership are identified as mounting threats to journalism’s credibility and autonomy.
Globally, the environment for journalism is “bad” in seven out of ten countries, with only three out of ten enjoying satisfactory conditions. The Middle East remains the most dangerous region for journalists, while the Americas no longer have any country rated as “good” for press freedom. Europe, particularly the Nordic countries like Norway (ranked 1st), continues to lead, but even there, challenges like violence against journalists persist.
Misinformation and AI-Generated Content: A Growing Threat
The rapid advancement of AI has transformed the media landscape, offering both opportunities and risks. AI tools can enhance information accessibility and streamline journalistic processes, but they also enable the creation of deepfakes, manipulated audio, and fabricated narratives that erode public trust. The United Nations emphasizes that AI’s ability to generate realistic but false content, such as deepfake videos, poses a significant risk to democratic processes by spreading misinformation and undermining trust in institutions.
In India, the stakes are particularly high. With over 750 million active internet users and a massive social media presence—467 million on YouTube, 535 million on WhatsApp, and 362 million on Instagram—the country is a hotspot for misinformation. The 2024 World Economic Forum report identifies India as the nation most at risk from misinformation and disinformation, especially during elections. AI-generated content, including deepfakes and manipulated ads, has been used to sway voters and amplify divisive narratives. For instance, during the 2024 General Elections, political parties leveraged AI to create campaign videos and personalized messages, some of which violated election guidelines by spreading hate speech and false claims.
Globally, authoritarian regimes are exploiting AI to enhance censorship and propaganda. In China, chatbots are programmed to avoid sensitive topics like Tiananmen Square, while in India, authorities have ordered platforms to restrict access to critical content, often using AI-based moderation tools. Freedom House’s 2023 report documented 16 countries, including India, using generative AI to manipulate public opinion, smear opponents, or sow doubt. The affordability and accessibility of AI tools have lowered the barrier for disinformation campaigns, making them more precise and widespread.
Concentration of Media Ownership: Stifling Pluralism
The concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few powerful conglomerates is another pressing threat to press freedom. When media outlets are controlled by entities with political or corporate agendas, the diversity of voices and independent reporting suffer. This trend is particularly pronounced in India, where media ownership has become heavily consolidated under tycoons with close ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
India, ranked 159th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, has seen a sharp decline in media pluralism since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, a close ally of Modi, owns over 70 media outlets, reaching at least 800 million Indians. Similarly, Gautam Adani’s 2022 acquisition of NDTV, a once-independent channel, marked a significant blow to media diversity. RSF notes that these takeovers have fueled the rise of “Godi media”—a term coined to describe outlets that blend populism with pro-BJP propaganda.
The Indian government’s influence over media is further amplified by its role as a major advertiser. Billions of dollars in public funds are spent on advertising, which small outlets rely on, creating pressure to align with government narratives. Journalists critical of the government face harassment, including trolling by BJP-backed accounts and legal action under sedition or counterterrorism laws. The 2021 IT Rules, which allow the government to unilaterally order content takedowns, have further eroded free speech, bypassing judicial oversight.
This pattern is not unique to India. In Turkey (ranked 158th), President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has intensified its crackdown on journalists, with media ownership increasingly aligned with the ruling party. In Brazil, under former President Jair Bolsonaro, media faced hostility, though press freedom improved after his departure, with the country rising to 92nd in 2023. In the United States (45th), media consolidation by large corporations has raised concerns about editorial independence, though legal protections for journalists remain stronger than in many other nations.
India’s Unique Challenges
India’s press freedom crisis is compounded by structural issues. The country has witnessed the highest number of internet shutdowns globally for five consecutive years, hampering journalists’ ability to report. Digital surveillance, justified in the name of national security, threatens source confidentiality, while the lack of whistleblower protections leaves journalists vulnerable. The labeling of media outlets as “pro-government” or “anti-national” has polarized the industry, with independent journalists facing harassment and criminal charges.
The South Asia Press Freedom Report highlights how corporate acquisitions and government pressure have diminished independent voices, particularly in electronic media. In Kashmir, journalists face counter-terrorism charges and travel bans, further restricting their ability to report on sensitive issues. The report also notes the role of AI in spreading misinformation, with platforms struggling to counter false narratives due to information overload and inadequate fact-checking resources.
Global Responses and the Way Forward
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. The UN’s Global Digital Compact calls for collaboration among governments, media, and civil society to combat misinformation while protecting privacy and freedom of expression. UNESCO advocates for transparent AI regulations and independent oversight to ensure platforms do not become gatekeepers of information.
In India, the Editors Guild of India has urged the government to scrap proposals like the 2023 draft IT Rules amendment, which would allow authorities to label content as “fake” and mandate its removal, arguing it amounts to censorship. Civil society and fact-checking organizations are pushing for greater accountability from platforms like Meta and YouTube, though their efforts are often outpaced by the volume of misinformation.
Globally, countries like Norway and Canada demonstrate best practices by maintaining strong legal protections for journalists and fostering diverse media ecosystems. Regulatory interventions, such as antitrust actions to curb media monopolies and transparent content moderation standards, can help restore pluralism. Freedom House suggests focusing on platform conduct—such as improving user privacy and tackling coordinated inauthentic activity—rather than restricting speech.
Conclusion
World Press Freedom Day 2025 underscores the urgent need to protect journalism from the twin threats of misinformation and media ownership concentration. In India, where press freedom is in a state of crisis, the consolidation of media under politically aligned conglomerates and the proliferation of AI-driven disinformation pose existential challenges to democracy. While these issues are global, India’s vast digital landscape and polarized media environment amplify their impact. By fostering independent journalism, regulating AI responsibly, and ensuring diverse media ownership, nations can uphold the principles of a free press. As UNESCO reminds us, a vibrant press is not just a cornerstone of democracy but a catalyst for peace, sustainability, and human rights. The fight for press freedom is a fight for truth—and it has never been more critical.
