HT Digital CEO Puneet Jain: AI Content without Clear Policy Poses a Major Risk

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the media industry will undergo rapid transformation in the coming years, according to HT Digital CEO Puneet Jain, speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025. 

In sharing his vision for the future of digital news media, Jain emphasized the multifaceted role of AI in the industry, saying, "AI's application in our industry is multifaceted—spanning content generation, user experience, and innovation in product development. Over the last decade, we've seen a gradual shift from text to various visual formats; however, the coming years will see an even faster transition." He went on to say that, while AI improves productivity by allowing for the efficient creation of summaries, headlines, and tailored content, the most exciting wave of innovation is yet to come.

Addressing the issue of misinformation, HT Digital CEO emphasized a critical concern for today's digital ecosystem. "As we move into an AI-led era, the proliferation of machine-generated content without a clear policy framework or consistent editorial standards poses a significant risk. It is critical that the industry and policymakers develop strong guidelines to protect credibility and ensure that verified, authentic information remains at the heart of our journalism."

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) represents 20 print and electronic media outlets in India.

Aside from media representatives, the conclave featured special participation from policymakers who discussed the government's strategy for addressing AI challenges such as misinformation, deepfakes, data privacy, and platform accountability, among others.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized that while embracing digital advancements is critical, protecting traditional media roles and maintaining editorial standards is equally important. "The media landscape is undergoing significant transformation. As we embrace digital innovations, it is also critical to establish clear policies that maintain the credibility and responsibility of news generation," he stated.