Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way individuals and societies create, access and share information. While Generative AI presents remarkable opportunities for enhanced communication and creativity, it also raises significant challenges for safeguarding freedom of expression, one of the cornerstones of democratic society, as enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. To ensure Generative AI support, rather than endanger, the exercise of freedom of expression, the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) adopted the Guidance Note on the Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Freedom of Expression, at its 28th Plenary meeting, in December 2025. This document provides an in-depth analysis of how Generative AI relates to the right to freedom of expression, formulating actionable guidance for member states and stakeholders to ensure that Generative AI is harnessed for public benefit, rather than becoming an instrument of restriction or distortion.

The primary objective of this webinar is to illustrate the central findings, policy orientation and actionable guidance established in the Guidance Note, with a view to fostering informed dialogue and capacity-building among policymakers, regulators, civil society, technology sector representatives and the media. This session provides participants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with an extensive document that addresses some of the most challenging issues of our time, with direct implications for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Guidance Note offers a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Generative AI serves to enable, rather than impair, the exercise of freedom of expression.

The webinar will present the main sections of the Guidance Note:

• Generative AI Tech Stack: Outlining the foundational, tool and product layers, with reference to the lifecycle of Generative AI-based systems and their potential to impact the quality, accuracy and pluralism of AI-generated content.
• Freedom of Expression and Generative AI: An analysis of the obligations under Article 10 ECHR in the context of Generative AI, informed by Council of Europe standards and the evolving case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.
• Structural Implications: Identification and illustration of six fundamental implications for freedom of expression, including risks to diversity, integrity of expression, opinion formation, media pluralism, and market dynamics.
• Guidance: Action-oriented advice for policymakers and relevant stakeholders, structured around a “Observe, Assess, Enable, Empower” governance cycle.

Participants will:

• Develop a shared vocabulary and understanding of the implications of Generative AI for freedom of expression.
• Gain clarity on the risks and opportunities throughout the Generative AI lifecycle.
• Discuss actionable measures to amplify benefits and mitigate risks, adaptable by governments, technology companies, media professionals and civil society.
• Contribute to an ongoing dialogue shaping future policy for a human rights-based approach to Generative AI, including with a view to contributing to the process towards the Council of Europe New Democratic Pact for Europe.