Justice Surya Kant.
New Delhi, November 7, 2025 — Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant raised alarm over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to target women journalists, warning that these technologies are being weaponised to spread false narratives, compromise privacy, and threaten press freedom.
Speaking at the 31st anniversary of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) in New Delhi, Justice Kant noted that while AI and other digital tools offer significant benefits for newsrooms—such as streamlining research, fact-checking, and improving workflows—their unchecked use poses serious risks, particularly to the safety and dignity of journalists.
Deepfakes and Digital Abuse: A Growing Threat
Justice Kant highlighted how the rapid advancement of technologies like deepfakes and doctored images has intensified the dangers faced by journalists, especially women. “AI and other automated tools undoubtedly expedite research and support real-time fact-checking. Nevertheless, it is vital to acknowledge that the unrestricted use of AI comes with its fair share of risks, particularly concerning privacy, dignity, and safety for journalists,” he said.
He expressed particular concern over the proliferation of online abuse targeting women journalists, with trolls using AI-generated content to manipulate images, fabricate stories, and create harmful narratives. “Perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, ‘troll’ incessantly, and manipulate images for psychological and professional harm,” Justice Kant said. “These methods of online violence belittle, induce fear, and discredit women journalists professionally, undermining their confidence and safety.”
The judge warned that such digital abuse is not just an isolated issue—it threatens the core of democratic society. “This type of violence not only harms individual journalists but also stifles press freedom, diminishing the diversity and nuance of public discourse,” he added.
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The Permanent Damage of False Narratives
Justice Kant also emphasized the lasting impact of manipulated content. “The spread of false stories and doctored images can destroy reputations long after the facts are forgotten,” he said. “The victims endure reputational damage, loss of credibility, and even social ostracism. Often, the manipulated content persists online indefinitely, making the damage permanent and devastating.”
This, he argued, cannot be normalized in a functioning democracy. “As a responsible democracy, we cannot afford to treat such harm as an inevitable part of online life,” Justice Kant stressed. “We must take collective action to protect individuals from the consequences of digital manipulation.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Need for Stronger Protections and Ethical Responsibility
The Supreme Court judge called for stronger regulations and ethical accountability to address the growing threats posed by AI technologies in journalism. He urged media houses, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders to create robust protocols specifically designed to protect women journalists and combat the spread of false narratives.
“It is essential that our media organizations and governing bodies develop strong protocols and industry-wide regulations that specifically protect women journalists and victims of false narratives,” he said. “Women must be involved at every level—whether in reporting, editing, policy-setting, or in overseeing technology adoption and ethical reforms.”
Justice Kant also encouraged the IWPC to take a leadership role in promoting digital safety for journalists, emphasizing the need for training programs on navigating the challenges of digital tools and advocating for fair online practices. “I hope that this will inspire the IWPC to expand its central role by leading training programs in digital safety and promoting fair practices,” he added.
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Solidarity and Accountability: The Key to Protecting Journalism
In closing, Justice Kant praised the resilience and achievements of women who continue to break barriers in fields ranging from sports to media. He cited the example of the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic victory in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup as a powerful reminder of women’s growing presence in spaces that were once male-dominated.
“The triumph of the National Women’s Cricket Team is a reminder of how Indian women persistently break barriers and set new standards of excellence, whether on the cricket field or in the press gallery,” he said.
Justice Kant concluded with a message of solidarity, pledging to support the IWPC’s mission to amplify women’s voices in media and safeguard ethical journalism in the digital age. “Mutual support and accountability are our strongest safeguards against the excesses of unregulated AI,” he said, urging both journalists and the public to work together to protect the integrity of the profession.
The anniversary event, which brought together prominent women journalists and media figures, served as a call to action for the protection of ethical journalism in the face of evolving technological challenges.
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