AI a tool but also a weapon against women journalists – Dr. Hattotuwa

2026-02-13 - 03:30

Although Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve efficiency in newsrooms, it is increasingly being weaponized, targeting female journalists through fake obscene content and deepfakes, Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa has warned. He made the remarks at the publication of a special research paper titled “Both a Tool and a Weapon: AI’s Impact on Journalism and TFGBV” held in Colombo on Feb. 10. The study offers an in-depth analysis of how modern technology affects both the professional and personal lives of female journalists. Dr. Hattotuwa pointed out that although AI is a tool, it can at times be used as a weapon capable of changing many lives, and that its misuse has contributed to gender-based violence. He further stressed the importance of introducing international standards to minimise the harm caused to women through the unregulated use of AI. Representatives of the Sri Lanka chapter of South Asian Women in Media (SAWM-SL), also addressing the event, noted that while AI can make newsroom operations easier, women journalists need to exercise greater caution in its use. They emphasized that while technology should be embraced, it must not be allowed to compromise the dignity and safety of women working in the media sector. The representatives added that the SAWM-SL is working to adapt AI policies already practiced by international institutions such as UNESCO, the BBC and the New York Times to suit Sri Lanka’s media culture. They further said that, together with senior editors of newspapers and channels, steps are being taken to implement specialized training programmes to identify AI-generated content and prevent technology-facilitated harassment targeting female journalists. (Source: Aruna)