Nairobi — The Media Council of Kenya has inaugurated a Working Group tasked to develop guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media and data in newsrooms.
The multi-sectoral technical group with membership from media houses as well as government agencies including the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC) and the Communication Authority was inaugurated at a breakfast meeting in Nairobi.
Speaking at the event, 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, the social media and data for use in professional journalism in the country.
He noted that while AI presents numerous opportunities, there was need to mitigate threats to journalistic ethics.
"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," he said.
Ethical use of AI
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait echoed Omwoyo's sentiments reiterating the ODPC's commitment to support development of data guidelines in line with the agency's mandate.
The Working Group will consolidate its findings into a report within ninety 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; Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Social Media and the Internet by Journalists and Media Houses.
The task team's membership includes Sara Mumbua Nzuki, Michael Michie, Prof John Walubengo, Susan Mute, Ellen Wanjiru, Carole Kimutai, Silas Kiragu, Margaret Kalekye, Michael Oriedo, Dr Gilbert Mugeni, Rosemary Mwangi, Demus Kiprono, Ken Bosire and Alexander Masiga.
Other members are: Oliver Mathenge, Jeremiah Wakaya, George Mwamodo, Francis Mureithi, Alex Mwangi, Joel Karanja, Oscar Otieno, Paul Kaindo, Anhosi K'Obonyo, Jared Kidambi, Lilian Kimeto, Antony Laibuta, Kenneth Kibet, Fridah Naliaka and Eric Munene.
