PSM Chairperson Calls for Protection of Language, Culture and Trust in AI Era at ABU General Assembly

Public Service Media (PSM) Chairperson Amina Namza, speaking at the 63rd General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, emphasised that language, culture and public trust must be protected in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Participating in a panel discussion on the theme 'AI: Truth, Trust and Transformation', Namza said that public service broadcasters must play a leading role in enhancing AI literacy, combating misinformation, and safeguarding national languages and cultural heritage amid significant changes in the global media landscape. She noted that the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure technological advancements do not erode public trust is growing daily. Namza stated that media institutions must work practically to provide the public with the information and critical thinking skills needed to identify misleading content, rather than merely correcting misinformation. "Our responsibility is not just to correct misinformation. Furthermore, preparing people to question such information before sharing it with others is also included within our responsibilities," she said. Highlighting the importance of making AI accessible to all segments of society, Namza warned of the high risk of misleading people, especially the elderly, due to realistic AI-generated content. She called for awareness-raising efforts to be expanded across the entire community, not only targeting digitally literate young people. Pointing out the challenges faced by small countries, Namza expressed concern over the low inclusion of languages like Dhivehi in AI development. She warned that if language and culture are not adequately represented in AI systems, digital gaps will widen. "We are not just users of technology. We are also guardians of language, culture, and public trust," she said. Referencing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's 'Maldives 2.0' policy and his vision for digital transformation, Namza stressed the importance of aligning technological advancements with national priorities. The panel discussion also included senior representatives from the broadcasting sectors of Mongolia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.