FG raises alarm over deepfake threats, seeks NUJ’s support
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep concern over the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in creating deepfake videos aimed at tarnishing the reputations of public officials.
Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, to his office in Abuja, Idris lamented the dangers of AI being deployed for malicious purposes. He noted that deepfakes have been used to falsely depict individuals in compromising or scandalous situations, damaging reputations and causing distress to families.
“We see how AI can be used both positively and negatively. Someone can sit in one place and superimpose another person’s head onto their body, completely misrepresenting them,” he said. “Every day, we see statements by the president or ministers twisted or misquoted online.”
The minister emphasized that the federal government is working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to clean up the social media landscape while ensuring the protection of freedom of expression.
“As a government, we are seriously considering how to sanitize the social media space without gagging freedom of expression. Thankfully, the global community is also stepping up, with UNESCO taking the lead,” he added.
Idris said UNESCO has received over 10,000 submissions from more than 100 countries and has developed a comprehensive guide for digital content creators aimed at promoting integrity online.
He called on the NUJ to support efforts to combat fake news, misinformation, and unethical practices in journalism. “We want to collaborate with you to rid the profession of quacks and to encourage citizen journalists and the public to share only verified and truthful information,” he said.
The minister also announced that UNESCO had approved Nigeria to host the first-ever Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute. The institute will train journalists, students, and the public on how to critically assess digital content, combat misinformation, and enhance professionalism.
Congratulating the NUJ on its 70th anniversary, Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, describing it as a pillar of democracy and national development.
Earlier, NUJ President Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya commended President Tinubu for appointing a seasoned media professional as minister and pledged the union’s readiness to partner with the ministry in promoting the government’s achievements.
He also briefed the minister on activities planned for the NUJ’s 70th anniversary, during which Idris is expected to serve as the Chief Host.
