BIRN Albania organised a two-day training in Tirana on June 22–23, bringing together around 20 journalists, editors, media professionals and civil society representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence, data protection and emerging technologies present for public-interest work.
The training, organised within the framework of the MATRA-supported project “Enhancing Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Resilience in Albania’s ICT Transformation”, aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of how technological developments are reshaping journalism, media and civil society.
The programme was led by Aleksandar Manasiev of NarrativAI and Silva Arapi, an expert on personal data protection and digital rights.
Manasiev explored the growing role of artificial intelligence, AI, in media and information ecosystems, focusing on both the opportunities and risks associated with AI tools.
Participants discussed the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence in journalistic work, emerging regulatory developments, newsroom policies, and practical approaches for integrating AI while maintaining editorial standards and public trust.
Arapi focused on personal data protection, digital rights and organisational resilience. Through practical examples and case studies, participants examined challenges related to privacy, cybersecurity, data governance and the responsibilities of media organisations and civil society actors when handling personal and sensitive information.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional preparedness in response to rapid technological change. Participants exchanged experiences on the practical challenges their organisations faced, including the use of AI tools, data protection compliance, digital security risks and the development of internal policies and procedures.
As a follow-up to the training, BIRN Albania will offer a limited package of technical assistance and mentoring support for media and civil society organisations interested in strengthening their internal capacities, policies and practices related to artificial intelligence, personal data protection, digital security and organisational resilience.
The activity forms part of BIRN Albania’s broader efforts to support independent media and civil society in navigating technological transformation while safeguarding transparency, accountability and public-interest values in the digital age.