Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has raised concerns about the increasing power of tech giants, warning that their influence could undermine the future of UK press freedom.
In an article, Starmer emphasized that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and dominant digital platforms, if left unchecked, could threaten the integrity of independent journalism—a cornerstone of democratic society.
“Journalism is the lifeblood of democracy,” Starmer remarked, underlining its fundamental role in ensuring an informed public. He argued that journalists are “guardians of democratic values,” a role he believes is more important than ever amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech giants.
Starmer argued that the delivery of reliable, trustworthy information is “more vital than ever” in a world where misinformation can spread rapidly.
As digital platforms and AI technology continue to shape media and content delivery, news publishers find themselves facing new risks to their business models and to journalistic standards.
Why this matters: AI’s double-edged sword in journalism
As AI becomes more embedded in content creation, search engines, and even data management, it’s poised to impact journalism in multiple ways.
On one hand, AI promises to streamline some journalistic tasks, potentially enhancing content accuracy, speed, and accessibility.
On the other, however, the risks of AI manipulating content, spreading misinformation, and, importantly, impacting the revenue models of news publishers are serious concerns.
The News Media Association (NMA), which represents prominent UK media outlets, has been particularly vocal.
They warned that AI could create a surge in fake news, likening it to a “pollution of human knowledge.”
If AI algorithms prioritize unverified or manipulated content over trustworthy journalism, the public may find it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction.
A significant worry for news publishers is that AI-powered search features might offer quick summaries of news stories, causing readers to skip visiting the original news site altogether.
This could mean fewer clicks, less traffic, and, ultimately, shrinking advertising revenue. Already, the digital advertising model has been challenging for newsrooms, with much of the revenue siphoned off by tech platforms like Google and Facebook.
According to the NMA, AI further exacerbates this issue, reducing incentives for readers to visit the source for full, reliable information.
New digital markets laws on the horizon
Sir Keir Starmer indicated that upcoming digital markets laws could play a key role in rebalancing the relationship between tech platforms and news publishers.
By implementing regulations that mandate fair compensation and greater transparency, Starmer hopes to safeguard the news industry against the risks posed by unregulated digital power.
As quoted in The Telegraph, he asserted that these laws are necessary “not just as a matter of economic fairness but to preserve the diversity and quality of information accessible to the public.”
Owen Meredith, CEO of the NMA, reinforced this point, stating, “AI must grow alongside a highly transparent ecosystem that rewards trusted journalism.”
Committing his government to “always champion press freedoms,” Starmer also acknowledged the risks posed by SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation)—legal tools often used to silence journalists. Tackling SLAPPs, he said, would help protect journalists’ rights to publish the truth without fear of legal intimidation.
The journey of news publishers into the AI era has just begun, and the tension between tech innovation and journalistic integrity isn’t expected to fade soon. What’s clear, though, is that a careful balance needs to be achieved.
AI and tech companies have undeniable power to shape information access, and the journalism industry must adapt, defend its principles, and protect its place as a source of reliable knowledge.
As Starmer and others warn, unchecked growth in AI without regard for journalistic principles could lead to a world where truth is harder to find.