From Legacy to Leadership: World Press Photo at the Crossroads of AI, Misinformation, and Democracy

The Gieskes Strijbis Fund supports World Press Photo in addressing the urgent challenges facing photojournalism today. The rapid development of artificial intelligence, image manipulation technologies, and the spread of misinformation are reshaping how visual information is produced and disseminated. At the same time, rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic spaces are undermining press freedom and the safety of journalists. As public trust in images declines, the visual language that once served as a shared reference for truth is increasingly contested.

Through this project, World Press Photo will convene leading editors, photographers, and media professionals to tackle these challenges and develop shared ethical standards. The project will create spaces for global dialogue, professional gatherings, and trainings, enabling the field to respond collectively to the rise of disinformation and misinformation. By fostering collaboration and setting future-proof guidelines, the initiative aims to strengthen the integrity of visual journalism and its role in democratic societies.