Maseru, Dec.14–For many journalists in Southern Africa, reporting no longer ends when the story is filed. Increasingly, it comes with a quiet worry, who might be watching.
Zambian journalist, Mr. Alex Basop says artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance is becoming part of everyday life across the Southern African region. From facial recognition cameras in city centres to biometric systems at border posts and automated monitoring of social media, these technologies are being rolled out in the name of security and efficiency. But for journalists, they are creating new pressures that are hard to ignore.
He mentioned that in recent years, reporters covering sensitive topics such as elections, corruption, migration and human trafficking have grown more cautious about how they work. Some say they think twice before attending protests or meeting sources in public places.
“Before, you worried about being followed by a person,” says Dr Kabelo Mofokeng, a digital rights researcher based in Johannesburg. “Now you worry about systems you can’t see, cameras, data, algorithms.”
Mofokeng also said one of the biggest concerns is the safety of sources. Investigative journalism in the region depends heavily on people who are willing to speak out, often at great personal risk. But AI systems can analyse phone records, location data and online connections, making it easier to piece together who spoke to whom. . .
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