**Cypriot Journalists’ Union Raises Concerns Over AI's Impact on Journalism**
The Union of Cyprus Journalists (ESK) has expressed significant concerns regarding the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the journalism sector, following discussions at the recent annual meeting of the European Federation of Journalists. The meeting highlighted the adverse effects that AI-generated content is having on news organizations, particularly in relation to traffic and revenue.
One of the central issues raised during the conference was the growing prevalence of AI overviews in search engines, such as Google. According to reports from the meeting, these AI-generated summaries have led to a dramatic decline in organic traffic to news websites, with estimates suggesting reductions of up to 40%. This decline poses a serious threat to the financial viability of news organizations, as decreased traffic typically correlates with lower advertising revenue.
In response to these challenges, the General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists adopted a resolution advocating for fair compensation for publishers and journalists from online service providers. The resolution emphasized the monopolistic power held by major technology companies and their role in limiting the visibility of news content online. ESK representatives, including president Giorgos Frangos and board member Stelios Marathovouniotis, participated in these discussions, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues for the future of journalism.
In addition to the concerns surrounding AI, the conference also addressed the implementation of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive. This new legislation aims to protect journalists, activists, and human rights defenders from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), which are often used to intimidate and silence dissent. While the directive provides a framework for protection, the federation noted that most SLAPP cases are rooted in domestic matters, prompting calls for national laws to better address these incidents.
The General Assembly also focused on the evolving landscape of journalism, recognizing the need to include nontraditional journalists, such as Substack writers and TikTok content creators, within union structures. This initiative aims to foster greater inclusivity and participation among younger journalists, ensuring that the union remains relevant in a rapidly changing media environment.
Furthermore, the conference included discussions on press freedom issues, particularly in Turkey, where the federation expressed its commitment to defending journalistic freedoms. The situation in Cyprus itself has raised alarms, as the country has seen a significant decline in its World Press Freedom Index ranking. Cyprus now stands at 80th out of 180 countries, a stark drop from its position of 26th in 2021. This decline highlights ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the region, with only Greece ranking lower among European Union nations.
As the landscape of journalism continues to evolve with the advent of AI and other technological advancements, the Union of Cyprus Journalists and its counterparts across Europe are advocating for measures to protect the integrity and sustainability of the profession. The discussions at the European Federation of Journalists meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for collective action in addressing the complexities introduced by new technologies and ensuring that journalism remains a vital and respected field.