AI cannot replace journalists, says Fahmi Fadzil

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a substitute for humans but can serve as a tool to foster creativity, particularly within the field of journalism, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil reportedly said. 

The minister reportedly said that AI has not made it possible for media practitioners to work using the technology to produce news reports or record events. He added that he does not believe AI has the capability to fully replace journalists in tasks such as reporting from the field, reported The Star. 

However, AI can be useful in aspects such as creating storyboards, Fahmi reportedly said at the opening ceremony of the Jejak Panda by foodpanda Malaysia at Pantai Dalam. 

Don't miss: Ad agency apologises for AI display featuring three-towered KLCC Petronas Towers

The minister reportedly said that even though the technology is used in various works, it does not fully replicate the authenticity of a real character. 

Similarly, AI cannot fully replace a graphic designer, otherwise an advertising agency might end up creating a poster with three [Petronas] towers, Fahmi reportedly said. 

He reportedly concluded that AI has advantages and disadvantages and that it is not a substitute for humans. 

Fahmi was talking about an AI-generated digital billboard done for Brickfields District Police Headquarters that featured the Petronas Twin Towers with three towers instead of two. The visual was to celebrate Merdeka Day this month. 

The advertising agency behind the billboard, Wow Media, have since released an apology. In its apology, Wow Media said it had identified the error in the visual displayed on the screen and had immediately deleted it. 

Wow Media ended the statement apologising for any confusion that may have arisen and said that it will re-evaluate the procedure to avoid any similar problems in the future. 

On the topic of AI, Fahmi Fadzil has also reportedly urged members of the public to be cautious of scams involving AI-generated deepfakes. 

Speaking at the ministry of communication's monthly assembly earlier in July this year, Fahmi said that while the use of AI helps the country's development, there are some parties who misuse the technology, reported The Star. 

The minister reportedly referenced a scam in which a WhatsApp video call involving Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza ended up being a deepfake scam. 

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