Türkiye aims to lead in 'technopolar' AI world

The International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026) in Istanbul hosted a lively panel discussion on Saturday examining how artificial intelligence is transforming the production, distribution, and credibility of information worldwide. Moderated by Serdar Karagoz, president and CEO of Anadolu Agency, the session brought together government officials, media professionals, and academics to debate the technology's trajectory.

'AI is changing everything, and it is very fast'

Karagoz opened the discussion by noting that the pace of AI-driven change is unlike anything seen before. "AI is changing everything. It is clear, and it is very fast," he said. "It changes how we create, how we share, and how we understand information." Citing World Economic Forum projections, he estimated that artificial intelligence could add up to $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. While acknowledging job displacement, he warned that AI would fundamentally alter trust in institutions, media outlets, and news agencies, raising critical questions: "Can we trust it? Who controls AI? And what about data security?"

Three global models for AI governance

Fatih Donmez, who chairs Türkiye's parliamentary committee on artificial intelligence, outlined three distinct international approaches to AI regulation. The US model prioritizes innovation with regulation following later, he explained. The European Union takes a precautionary route, setting rules in advance despite criticism. China, he said, maintains strong state oversight over algorithms and data processing. Donmez revealed that Türkiye is working to develop its own hybrid model. "We believe we can develop a Türkiye-specific approach by taking elements that suit us from these models," he said. "We think regulation is necessary, but it should not suffocate innovation. We say regulation together with innovation."

AI as 'new generation of sovereignty'

Umit Onal, Türkiye's cybersecurity chief, argued that advances in artificial intelligence have elevated data sovereignty to a central component of national power. "Today, power is increasingly determined by who collects data, who processes it, and who interprets it," Onal said. "This is exactly where artificial intelligence comes into play." He described AI as a "new generation of sovereignty" and said Türkiye aims to become a leading actor through its Digital Türkiye vision. "AI can strengthen states," he warned, "but we must also remember that if it is used incorrectly, it can weaken societies."

Journalists urge caution on delegating values to AI

Daniel Deme, editor of Hungary Today, acknowledged AI's utility for translation and fact-finding but warned that algorithms are controlled by profit-driven companies with shareholders and investors. "The algorithm itself, how it combines the media is also being calibrated to suit the needs of certain interests," he said. When asked whether AI could handle value-based editorial decisions, Deme responded firmly: "Clearly, you cannot delegate certain value judgments onto AI. It corresponds to basic human dignity to go out and find the truth for yourself." He advised keeping AI "like a guide dog" without letting technology replace human judgment in finding truth and serving communities.