ASEAN Media Urged to Uphold Trust, Embrace AI Responsibly

At the 10th ASEAN Media Forum held in Manila, Philippines, media representatives from various ASEAN countries shared common concerns regarding the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating the spread of misinformation. Participants highlighted that while AI itself does not create misinformation, it significantly enhances the speed and ease with which false content can be produced and disseminated. In light of this, there was a consensus that strengthening trusted information sources and improving the public's ability to identify false information are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the information landscape. Furthermore, enhancing accountability among digital platforms was identified as a key issue. Opinions were expressed that platform operators should bear greater responsibility for the veracity of information disseminated through their services. Vietnam, while maintaining a one-party system that prioritizes information control and social order, is experiencing rapid economic growth and deepening international cooperation. Its relationship with China, in particular, is complex, marked by strong economic ties alongside security tensions, especially concerning the South China Sea. In this context, managing domestic information flow and ensuring international credibility are significant challenges for Vietnam. Efforts to enhance media literacy across ASEAN are therefore considered beneficial for regional stability. The forum provided a platform for concrete discussions on how ASEAN media should respond to the evolving information environment brought about by advancements in AI technology.