Maria Ressa: Nobel Prize Winner and Journalist

Ressa Warns of “Virus of Lies” as‌ Tech Giants Abdicate Responsibility

Melbourne, Australia – Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa delivered a ​stark warning about the⁤ unchecked power of big tech and artificial intelligence, describing their impact on society as a “virus of lies” eroding truth, trust, and ‍democracy.​ Speaking at the‌ 2025‌ Southeast Asia Oration at the University of ‍Melbourne, Ressa‍ praised‍ Australia’s recent move to ban social media for teenagers as a step in the right direction, emphasizing the urgent need for greater regulation in the world’s least regulated sectors.

Ressa, CEO of the digital news ‌site Rappler,⁣ argued that both big tech companies and democratic governments⁤ have failed in their responsibility to ‍protect the public from the dangers of misinformation and manipulation.⁤ she painted a grim picture of an data ecosystem where falsehoods spread faster than ⁢facts, fueled by the design of‍ social media platforms and⁢ the rise of generative AI.

“We are drowning ​in a​ toxic⁢ sludge,” Ressa declared, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.

A ​key focus of Ressa’s address was⁤ the nature⁣ of artificial intelligence itself. Dismissing the notion that AI is either “artificial” or “intelligent,”‌ she explained that these technologies, frequently enough ⁤marketed as innovative solutions, are in reality complex surveillance models that have​ been ‌around for over 70 years.

Ressa highlighted the insidious way social media platforms collect and utilize personal data to create⁢ “digital clones” of⁤ their users.”Facebook had more than 2,300 different big data sets for every one ​of us,” she revealed. ⁣”replace the word ‘model’ with ‘clone’. You have a digital clone. Did you say yes to it?”

This “digital cloning,” ‍Ressa argued, allows for the creation of massive databases used for microtargeting, ‌exploiting individuals’ vulnerabilities for profit or political ​gain. The lack of consent ​and clarity in this process raises serious ethical concerns about privacy and autonomy.

Ressa’s powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the urgent need for a global conversation about the responsible⁤ development and regulation of technology. As AI and social media continue to evolve, it is crucial that we prioritize​ truth, trust, and democratic values to ​prevent the ​further spread of this “virus‍ of lies.”