-A panel discussion highlights the importance of investing in digital media R&D and developing regulatory frameworks
As an official knowledge partner, TRENDS Research & Advisory inaugurated today its pavilion at the third edition of the Global Media Congress 2024, held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The three-day event features a range of media and research activities powered by artificial intelligence.
From the opening moments, the TRENDS pavilion attracted numerous officials, researchers and media professionals who commended the Center’s significant contributions locally, regionally, and globally.
In a gesture of recognition, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, awarded several media professionals the TRENDS Media Medal in appreciation of their efforts in supporting TRENDS’ initiatives and its comprehensive knowledge output.
Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
At the first activity carried out by the TRENDS pavilion, a panel discussion, titled “Toward Effective and Responsible Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, underlined the need to develop the skills of media professionals to keep pace with modern technologies, promote self-regulation to ensure content quality, and strengthen partnerships between media organizations and academic institutions to align curricula with the demands of the digital age.
Panelists included Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS; H.E. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council; H.E. Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shumairi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Watan newspaper; and Kuwaiti media figure Muhammad Al-Mulla, Founder and President of the Diwan Al-Mulla Network. The session was moderated by Rawda Al-Marzouqi, Director of Exhibitions and Distribution at TRENDS.
The panelists underlined the importance of developing a clear regulatory framework to govern media operations amid rapid AI advancements and raising public awareness about the ethical use of AI technologies. They also called for investment in research and development in digital media and developing new tools for detecting fake news and harmful content.
The panelists noted that while AI presents challenges for the media sector, it also offers tremendous opportunities for growth and enhanced societal impact.
The importance of partnership
The panel discussion began with remarks by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, on the “The Role of Think Tanks in Supporting Knowledge-Based Media.” Dr. Al-Ali emphasized the pivotal role played by think tanks in enriching the knowledge content of media, especially in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, including the emergence of AI.
He highlighted that the relationship between think tanks and media is not merely a fleeting collaboration but rather a strategic partnership aimed at fostering responsible media. Think tanks contribute in-depth research and analysis on pressing societal issues, enhancing media content with greater accuracy and credibility.
Dr. Al-Ali pointed out that AI represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the media sector. On one hand, it can accelerate content production and analysis; on the other, it can facilitate the spread of fake news and misinformation. He stressed the importance of employing AI ethically and responsibly, leveraging the robust knowledge base provided by think tanks.
Finally, Dr. Al-Ali called for strengthened cooperation between think tanks and media professionals to build effective media that enhances societal awareness and addresses contemporary challenges.
Training and Empowerment
Under the title “The Media and Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Challenges,” H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, highlighted that the media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about cybersecurity. Through educational programs and media campaigns, individuals can learn to protect themselves and their devices from cyberattacks.
He noted that the media can also expose harmful practices threatening cybersecurity, such as the spread of fake news and online fraud, thus helping protect society from these dangers.
Dr. Al-Kuwaiti acknowledged that the media still faces challenges, including rapid technological advancements and the complexity of technical concepts, which can be difficult to convey to the general public.
He proposed solutions to overcome these challenges, such as specialized media training programs to help journalists understand cybersecurity issues and convey accurate information. He also emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships between media institutions and government cybersecurity bodies to share information, exchange expertise and coordinate efforts. Establishing ethical standards for media coverage of cybersecurity issues is also vital to ensure transparency and prevent misinformation.
Dr. Al-Kuwaiti concluded that cooperation between media and cybersecurity is essential for protecting society from increasing cyber threats. By raising awareness and building strong partnerships, we can work together to make the digital world safer.
Deepfakes
Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center, addressed the growing threat of deepfakes, where AI technologies create highly realistic fake audio and visual content. He explained that malicious actors use deepfakes to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion, threatening global security and stability.
Dr. Al-Kaabi noted that deepfakes have become a powerful tool for information warfare, used to mislead and manipulate public opinion. They also present serious threats to privacy and national security.
He highlighted challenges such as influencing election outcomes and exploiting crises to spread fear and instability through fabricated content. Identity theft and the dissemination of offensive content are also major concerns.
To combat deepfakes, Dr. Al-Kaabi stressed the need for international cooperation, the development of detection tools, and public education on differentiating between real and fake content.
He emphasized the responsibility of social media companies to combat deepfakes and called for strict legislation to address this issue. As AI technologies evolve, international efforts are essential to tackle these threats effectively.
Credibility and Objectivity
H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shumairi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Watan newspaper, underscored the importance of credibility and objectivity in media. He emphasized that these are not just theoretical concepts but essential values that media institutions must uphold, especially in the face of fake news and misleading content.
Dr. Al-Shumairi acknowledged that confronting deepfake challenges is difficult but not impossible. He highlighted the role of modern technology, particularly AI, in developing tools that quickly and accurately verify information.
He stressed that while technology can be used to spread deepfakes, it can also help combat them through advanced verification tools. He called for cooperation between governments, media institutions, technology companies, and civil society to confront deepfakes.
Leveraging AI
Muhammad Al-Mulla, Kuwaiti media figure and founder of Diwan Al-Mulla Network, discussed the role of AI in combating extremist ideologies in the media. He described AI as a powerful tool to monitor and track extremist content, but warned of potential misuse, which could have adverse effects.
Al-Mulla praised the UAE’s balanced approach to AI and cybersecurity, highlighting its vision for a better future.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing cybersecurity tools to counter extremism and noted that Diwan Al-Mulla Network is exploring AI applications to promote moderate discourse and counter extremist narratives.
