On the event of the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) organised between 12-14 May 2025 in Strasbourg, France, and hosted by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe, the Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division organised a workshop on ‘Generative AI and Freedom of Expression: mutual reinforcement or forced exclusion’.

The workshop offered a platform to examine the issue of opportunities and risks associated with the use of Generative AI, particularly in the field of journalism. Concerns of particular relevance were emphasised, such as the urgent need for critical engagement and governance frameworks in addressing emerging challenges, as well as the urgent actions needed to counter AI threats to freedom of expression, and democracy.

Key speakers of the session were Andrin Eichin, Senior Policy Advisor on online platforms, algorithms and digital policy at the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and Chair of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Freedom of Expression (MSI-AI); David Caswell, Product developer, consultant, and researcher of computational and automated forms of journalism; Founder of StoryFlow Ltd; Alexandra BORCHARDT, Prof., Ph.D, senior journalist, leadership professor, media consultant and Senior Research Associate at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford; and, Julie POSETTI, Professor, Global Director of Research, International Centre for Journalists & Professor of Journalism at City, University of London.

Their interventions highlighted the complex impact Generative AI has on freedom of expression, not only by enhancing access to information, but also by posing risks such as standardisation of expression, diminished diversity of voices and market concentration that may threaten media pluralism. Additionally, as artificial intelligence continues its dynamic evolution towards more advanced forms like AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), particular concerns regarding the growing risks for journalism and public discourse were addressed: enhanced content creation, persuasive manipulation, disinformation, and a divide between the digitally empowered and disempowered users.

The outcome of the discussion is intended to further inform the ongoing work of the Council of Europe Expert Committee MSI-AI, which is tasked to draft a Guidance Note on the Implications of Generative AI for Freedom of Expression, to be delivered by the end of 2025.

For a full transcript of the discussions held during the workshop, please click on the following link. The session video registration can be accessed here.