AI tools being weaponised to target women journalists: Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant

Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant recently said artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are increasingly being weaponised to target women journalists and circulate false narratives, threatening dignity, privacy and public trust.

Speaking at the 31st anniversary of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) in New Delhi, the CJI-designate warned that deepfake technology and doctored images have amplified the dangers faced by journalists.

“AI and other automated tools undoubtedly expedite research, streamline newsroom workflows, and support swift, real-time fact-checking. Nevertheless, it is vital to acknowledge that the unrestricted use of AI comes with its fair share of risks especially concerning privacy, dignity, and safety for journalists and the subjects of news reporting alike. The spread of deepfake technology and doctored images only serves to amplify these dangers,” he said.

Women in media, he noted, often face the worst of online abuse through trolling, doctored visuals, and fabricated content.

“Perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, ‘troll’ incessantly, and manipulate images for psychological and professional harm. These methods of online violence belittle, induce fear, and discredit them professionally. This type of digital abuse not only undermines the confidence and security of women journalists but also threatens press freedom by stifling the diversity and nuance of public discourse,” Justice Kant said.

He cautioned that the spread of manipulated material and false stories can destroy reputations long after the facts are forgotten.

“The victims endure reputational damage, loss of credibility, and even social ostracism. Often, the manipulated content persists online indefinitely, long after the story has retreated from the news cycle, making the damage permanent and devastating for those involved,” he warned.

Democracy cannot normalise and treat such harm as an inevitable part of online life, he underscored.

“As a responsible democracy, we cannot afford to normalise or tolerate such happenings as an inevitable consequence of online discourse.”

Justice Kant underlined that constitutional freedoms must be supported by ethical responsibility across all sectors, including the media.

He urged media houses and regulatory bodies to frame strong, uniform protocols to protect women journalists and victims of manipulated narratives.

“It is essential that our media organisations and governing bodies develop strong protocols and industry-wide regulations that specifically protect women journalists as well as victims of ‘false’ narratives. Women, as significant stakeholders, must be involved at every level - in reporting and editing, policy-setting, technology adoption, regulatory oversight, and ethical reform.”

The judge said the IWPC could play a leading role by training journalists in digital safety and promoting fair online practices.

“I hope that this will inspire the IWPC to expand its central role by leading training programmes in digital safety and advocating for fair practices.”

He stressed that mutual support and accountability are the strongest safeguards against the excesses of unregulated AI.

Justice Kant closed with a message of solidarity, praising women who continue to break barriers across fields. He gave the example of the Indian women’s cricket team that recently clinched victory in the 2025 cricket World Cup.

“Remember, our National Women’s Cricket Team etching its name in history is a powerful reminder of how Indian women persistently break barriers and set new standards of excellence, whether on the cricket field or in the press gallery.”

He ended with a pledge to support the IWPC’s mission to amplify women’s voices and protect ethical journalism in the age of intrusive technology.