"Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Speech" was the title of a seminar held in a hybrid format by the OSCE Center in Ashgabat on July 17-18. International experts Ognian Zlatev (Bulgaria) and Andrey Richter (Austria), who joined online, were invited as trainers.

At the opening, OSCE Center representative William Leaf emphasized that this seminar is a continuation of successful bilateral cooperation within the framework of implementing the National Human Rights Action Plan. He noted that the action plans adopted in Turkmenistan include several important provisions regarding media freedom and journalistic profession freedom. The inclusion of these provisions indicates the country's commitment to its international obligations in the field of freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

The first day covered legal challenges related to AI emergence, EU legislation on artificial intelligence, digital services and media freedom. Participants were introduced to proposals on media freedom, the Council of Europe's 2024 AI Framework Convention, UNESCO's media literacy report, and algorithmic content curation. The second day focused on various countries' approaches to regulating and applying AI in media, major online platforms, disinformation, deepfakes, ethical issues of AI use, digital hygiene and internet literacy.

Participants showed particular interest in hate speech and AI use, recommendations for implementing international standards in national practice, ensuring transparency, and effective legal remedies.

Participants discussed the pros and cons of AI integration and exchanged views with experts on their questions of interest. The training event allowed them to learn a lot of new things and expand their knowledge in the field of AI.