On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2026, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) joins stakeholders across the region and the world to advocate for a safer, more inclusive and rights-respecting digital environment for all.
This year’s theme, “Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI,” draws attention to the rapidly growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives, particularly in the media, information and civic spaces. From content creation and moderation to news distribution and public communication, AI technologies are increasingly shaping how information is produced, accessed and shared across West Africa.
While these technologies offer significant opportunities for innovation, access to information and development, they also present serious risks. These include the spread of disinformation and deepfakes, algorithmic bias, violations of privacy, lack of transparency in automated decision-making, and the growing vulnerability of children, young people and marginalised communities online.
AI is, at bottom, an efficiency tool. The data and values it processes and produces are as good as it receives. Accordingly, the outcome and impact of AI on society is determined not by the technology itself, but by the choices of those who design and deploy it.
The MFWA insists that the promotion of digital innovation must go hand in hand with the protection of human rights, media freedom and public trust. The responsible use of AI demands clear ethical standards, strong accountability from technology companies, robust regulatory frameworks, and sustained commitment to digital literacy; for journalists, educators, young people and the wider public.
On this Safer Internet Day, MFWA calls on governments, regulators, technology companies, media organisations, civil society and development partners in West Africa to work collaboratively to ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that uphold freedom of expression, protect personal data, promote diversity, and prevent the misuse of technology to harm individuals or undermine democratic processes. As we embrace smart technologies, we must also make safe choices.
MFWA also urges media practitioners to adopt responsible, transparent and ethical approaches to the use of AI tools in journalism, content production and newsroom operations, with a firm commitment to accuracy, accountability and professional standards.
MFWA reaffirms its commitment to advancing a digital ecosystem in West Africa where innovation serves the public interest and where AI strengthens, rather than weakens, the values of trust, inclusion and democratic good governance.
