National Media Office, TRENDS Research and Advisory launch study on media regulation in age of AI

ABU DHABI, 28th November, 2024 (WAM) --The National Media Office (NMO), in collaboration with the TRENDS Research and Advisory, launched a research study titled "The Role of Media Regulatory Institutions in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges." The study sheds light on the significant impacts that Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have had on the media sector, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced by Arab media institutions in the face of rapidly accelerating technological changes.

The study, which was launched on the sidelines of the third edition of the Global Media Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, follows the widespread use of AI technologies in the media. It explores the major transformations these technologies have caused, particularly in terms of the media's ability to influence and engage the public. AI has provided more intelligent, advanced, and faster tools for delivering news to audiences, impacting print, audio, and visual media, in addition to social media and new media platforms in general.

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan places great importance on scientific research for its pivotal role in providing precise scientific analyses that contribute to enabling a knowledge-based economy and innovation. This supports the country's ambitious and comprehensive development journey.

He stressed the importance of integration between media organisations and research institutions in addressing future challenges, saying that the media plays a central role in transferring the outputs of scientific research to decision-makers across various sectors. This contributes to raising public awareness and highlighting strategic issues. This integration and strategic partnership enhance the ability to respond swiftly to future challenges and ensure that such responses are based on solid and accurate scientific foundations, he added.

He further added that the National Media Office is working to strengthen integration between the country's media system and various national institutions to highlight national achievements and enhance the country's positive reputation, aligning with the vision of the wise leadership to solidify the UAE's leading position on global competitiveness indicators.

Abdulla Al Hamed praised the fruitful cooperation with TRENDS Research and Advisory, which provides many innovative scientific plans and projects that analyze the present and contribute to shaping the future through the ideas and visions of distinguished national talents, grounded in values of excellence and creativity, to achieve accomplishments that strengthen the UAE's position both regionally and internationally.

The Chairman of the National Media Office also noted that the study serves as an important reference for understanding the major transformations media is undergoing in the age of AI, thanks to its comprehensive and balanced perspective. It provides a foundation for media regulatory institutions to adopt effective strategies that contribute to achieving sustainable and responsible media that aligns with the developments of the digital age.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the National Media Office for its collaboration on this joint publication. He affirmed that the study aims to support the media industry in the Arab world and provides comprehensive insights into how AI technologies can be leveraged to enhance the quality of media content, while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Dr. Al-Ali stated that AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for media development, but it also brings challenges that require careful and thoughtful handling. Through this study, the aim is to provide a roadmap to guide media institutions towards the optimal use of these technologies.

He explained that the study aims to raise awareness about the rapid developments in the media field and stimulate discussions on the strategies and policies needed to maximize the benefits and mitigate the risks associated with AI technologies. He also urged media institutions to adapt to the current changes and new challenges in the media market in the AI era, which directly impacts how information is transmitted, received, and analyzed, and how it is turned into useful insights for the public.

The study, prepared by the Trends Research and Advisory Center in cooperation with the National Media Office, covers several key areas, including the ethics of using AI in the media, the importance of balancing technological innovation with human rights protection, and an overview of best international practices in governing AI technologies. It addresses AI applications in the media, the role of media regulatory institutions in the AI age, and the state of Arab media in this new era.

The study emphasises that AI technologies have radically changed the media landscape, particularly in the Arab world. These technologies have led to the development of smarter and faster tools for producing and disseminating news, significantly impacting the journalism and media professions.

The study aims to introduce AI technologies used in the media sector, analyse the role of media regulatory institutions in the AI age, and apply the findings to Arab media institutions. It highlights the increasing reliance on intelligent robots, changes in the structure of media regulatory institutions due to rapid technological advancements, and the innovative opportunities AI provides for the media sector, as well as the challenges related to preserving media integrity and protecting against risks associated with new technologies.

The study stresses the important role of media regulatory institutions in maintaining a balance between technological innovation and the protection of social and human rights. It calls for the development of flexible and robust regulatory policies to preserve media integrity in the AI age.