Institute of Legal and Management Studies

Expressing concern over the growing menace of online abuse faced by women journalists, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant on Saturday urged media organisations and regulatory bodies to adopt concrete safety protocols to protect women reporters and editors from digital harassment and reputational harm.

Delivering the keynote address at the 31st anniversary event of the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) in New Delhi, the CJI-designate said the weaponisation of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has created “unique vulnerabilities” for women journalists, who are often targeted through doctored images, fabricated content and persistent trolling campaigns.

“Perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, 'troll' incessantly, and manipulate images for psychological and professional harm,” Justice Kant said. “These perpetrators, instead of engaging with their actual work or the opinions expressed by women journalists, utilize these methods of 'online violence' to belittle, induce fear, and discredit them professionally."

He described such acts as a serious assault on press freedom and public discourse. “This 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,” he observed.

“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,” he said.

Calls For Institutional Safeguards

Speaking on the topic "The Power of Women in Media and Intrusive AI in Media", Justice Surya Kant emphasised that the protection of rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution requires vigilance and ethical commitment from all sectors, including the media.

He called for the inclusion of women at every level of newsroom decision-making, in reporting, editing, policy-setting, technology adoption, regulatory oversight, and ethical reform.

The judge also underlined the need for media solidarity and mutual accountability in an era of “unsocial media.” “Mutual support, open dialogue, and a shared vision are our best defences against the perils of unrestricted AI,” he said. “By holding institutions and individuals accountable and refusing to lower ethical standards, we secure the foundation of true journalism and the health of our democracy.”

Speaking on the event's theme, Justice Kant noted that while AI has revolutionised journalism -expediting research, fact-checking, and data analysis - its unregulated use has amplified threats to privacy, dignity, and trust.

“The spread of deepfake technology and doctored images only serves to amplify these dangers,” he cautioned, warning that AI-generated falsehoods and manipulated narratives can cause irreparable reputational harm.

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

Honouring The Legacy Of Women In Media

Justice Surya Kant lauded the pioneering role of women in the media, particularly the Indian Women's Press Corps, which he said began “as an audacious conviction that women must have not only a seat at the table but also the space and respect to shape the very nature of debate and discourse.”

He praised women journalists for their courage in reporting from conflict zones, exposing injustices, and driving social reform. “When women cover stories on politics, health, education, and social reforms, their journalism reflects the intricate complexities of our society and fosters the democratic participation necessary for true progress,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of women in expanding independent journalism in regional languages through mentorship and training. “With time, women have demonstrated that vision and competence—and not gender—are what make true pioneers in the media,” he said.

Concluding his address, Justice Kant called on women journalists to continue leading with integrity and solidarity. “Whatever storms may arise, let us never lose sight of our greatest calling: to speak the truth, to protect one another, and to lead with courage,” he said.

He ended with a note of admiration and commitment: “Together, you are not just women in media, you are the media itself—defining the present, shaping the future, inspiring and instilling hope in countless others.”