Healthy Online Information Spaces and Artificial Intelligence
Spotlight on AI and Freedom of Expression (SAIFE)
Sophisticated technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), have become powerful tools for shaping and arbitrating our information spaces. To address the detrimental impact these technologies can have on human rights – in particular when driven by commercial, political or state interests – the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) has been putting a Spotlight on AI and Freedom of Expression since 2019 through its SAIFE project.
The SAIFE project has promoted a clearer understanding of the policies and practices of governments, regulators, and online platforms regarding their use of AI, as well as of AI’s impact on freedom of expression and media pluralism in the online space.
Focusing on automated content moderation and content curation, the SAIFE project has developed policy guidance for OSCE participating States and other stakeholders on the most effective ways to safeguard freedom of expression and media freedom. The project places special emphasis on four key areas of concern: security threats, hate speech, media pluralism and surveillance capitalism.
Detailed recommendations, further policy guidance, and additional resources are available in the #SAIFE Resource Hub: https://www.osce.org/saife.
Towards Healthy Online Information Spaces – SAIFE Renewed
Recognizing the need to further explore the complexities related to AI’s impact on the overall information and media landscape, the RFoM launched the SAIFE Renewed project in 2024 – towards healthy online information spaces.
The SAIFE Renewed project aims to operationalize the SAIFE safeguards for freedom of expression and media freedom in AI-driven content governance and seeks to address emerging challenges, evolving technologies (such as generative AI), and broader internet governance concerns beyond platform and content governance. Emphasizing the technological and AI perspective, the project will explore the interrelation between media and Big Tech, concerning trends in digital authoritarianism and surveillance, as well as information operations.
In this context, the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media will develop policy recommendations for OSCE participating States, promoting healthy online information spaces rooted in media freedom and the public interest.