It's all systems go as the Media Council of Kenya inaugurated the Working Group tasked to develop guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media and data in newsrooms.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo urged members to commit their efforts to the development of an appropriate mechanism to ensure appropriate and ethical integration of AI, social media and data for use in professional journalism in the country.
Omwoyo said that numerous opportunities that have come with AI pose major threats to journalistic ethics that need to be checked.
He noted that traditionally, it was easy to attribute the work of a journalist including having someone’s byline. This is, however, unclear when it comes to the usage of AI-generated content.
“AI is offering several opportunities in the media sector, but we need to put in place ethical guidelines that will help govern its use in Kenya, especially for the media industry,” Omwoyo added
Going further, the CEO emphasized that with the task force being a multi-agency intervention, MCK is looking at broad thinking that will assist media houses in working around matters of AI and data protection.
"I call upon this task force to work diligently towards achieving its goal within the shortest time,” Omwoyo said.
His sentiments were echoed by Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait who called for homemade solutions on the ethical use of the emerging technologies.
“In appreciation of emerging technologies, we need to prepare ethical working guidelines that support AI innovations and data protection in relation to media operations,” she said.
Kassait added that there was a need to develop training manuals for journalists on reporting and use of AI as well as on navigating other emerging technologies.
The Data Commissioner also noted that the new team will play a big role in the development of guidelines on the Dos and Don'ts for media houses and journalists as far as the Data Protection Act is concerned.
Article 52 (3) of the Data Protection Act, 2019 provides that “The Data Commissioner shall prepare a code of practice containing practical guidance in relation to the processing of personal data for purposes of Journalism, Literature and Art.”
Media Owners Association of Kenya chairperson Agnes Kalekye on her part called on collaboration in coming up with guidelines that work for all.
She said due to the changing nature of technology, media houses need to be a step ahead in embracing change.
Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Edward Sigei noted that the law assigns copyright to the work of humans but AI is presenting new trends that need to be monitored closely.
“We are monitoring a lot and we are closely following even what is happening in other countries like America,” he said.
Communication Authority Acting Director General Christopher Wambua said the authority will work closely with the new team to have guidelines that benefit the industry.
He said the ongoing process of amending the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 (KICA) will incorporate the views of all stakeholders.
The Working Group which was formed early this month is expected to come up with guidelines for utilisation of artificial intelligence and data.
The group will consolidate its findings into a report within 90 days and develop three key documents including a Journalists’ Handbook for Reporting Artificial Intelligence and Data.
Other documents are Media Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data; and Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Social Media and the Internet by Journalists and Media Houses.
The task team’s membership includes Francis Mureithi, Sara Nzuki, Michael Michie, John Walubengo, Susan Mute, Ellen Wanjiru, Carole Kimutai, Silas Kiragu, Margaret Kalekye, Michael Oriedo, Gilbert Mugeni, Rosemary Mwangi and Demus Kiprono.
Others are Ken Bosire, Alexander Masiga, Oliver Mathenge, Jeremiah Wakaya, George Mwamodo, Alex Mwangi, Joel Karanja, Oscar Otieno, Paul Kaindo, Anhosi K'Obonyo, Jared Kidambi, Lilian Kimeto, Antony Laibuta, Kenneth Kibet, Fridah Naliaka and Eric Munene.