In a groundbreaking move, the Associated Press (AP) has released guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. While acknowledging the potential of AI, AP emphasizes that it cannot be used to create publishable content and images for the news service. However, AP is urging its staff members to familiarize themselves with the technology, recognizing its increasing presence in the industry. This move by AP comes in response to a growing need for news organizations to establish standards for AI’s use and share these policies with their readers and viewers.
AI, particularly generative AI, has the ability to produce text, images, audio, and video on command. However, it is not yet fully capable of distinguishing between fact and fiction, which raises concerns about the credibility and accuracy of AI-generated content. AP emphasizes the importance of carefully vetting material produced by AI, treating it like any other news source. Furthermore, AP and other news organizations, such as Wired, have made it clear that stories must be written by human journalists, with AI-generated content only being used when its AI origins are the focal point of the story.
Despite the limitations on publishing AI-generated content, news organizations are exploring how AI can be useful in other areas, such as digesting stories, creating headlines, generating story ideas, and suggesting edits or interview questions. AP has been experimenting with AI for a decade, using it to generate short news stories from sports box scores and corporate earnings reports. However, AP is entering this new phase cautiously, aiming to protect its journalism and credibility.
To ensure that journalists are well-informed about AI, AP’s influential Stylebook includes a chapter that explains the factors journalists should consider when reporting on the technology. The chapter also includes a glossary of terminology related to AI, such as machine learning, training data, face recognition, and algorithmic bias. AP acknowledges that the AI landscape is constantly evolving and anticipates the need for regular updates to its guidance.
As AI continues to shape various aspects of society, including politics, entertainment, education, and human rights, it is crucial for journalists to understand and report on its implications. AP’s guidelines and ongoing efforts to provide guidance on AI reflect the organization’s commitment to maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of technological advancements.
Associated Press Sets Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence Use in News
The Associated Press (AP) has released guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating publishable content and images for its news service. While encouraging staff members to become familiar with the technology, the AP emphasizes that AI-generated material should be carefully vetted, just like any other news source. The guidelines come as news organizations, including the AP, begin to set standards for the integration of fast-developing tech tools like ChatGPT into their work.
Generative AI has the ability to create text, images, audio, and video on command, but it is not yet fully capable of distinguishing between fact and fiction. As a result, the AP advises that AI-generated material should not be used unless it is the subject of a story. This is in line with Wired magazine’s policy of only publishing AI-generated stories when the fact that they are AI-generated is the focus.
The AP has been experimenting with AI for a decade, using it to create short news stories from sports box scores or corporate earnings reports. However, the organization wants to enter this new phase of AI cautiously to protect its journalism and credibility. News organizations are also concerned about their material being used by AI companies without permission or payment, leading the News Media Alliance to issue a statement of principles to protect publishers’ intellectual property rights.
While AI has the potential to be a valuable tool for news organizations, it is not without its challenges. Some journalists worry that AI could eventually replace human jobs. However, AP wants its journalists to become familiar with the technology, as they will need to report on AI in the coming years. The AP’s influential Stylebook includes a chapter on covering AI, complete with a glossary of terminology, to provide journalists with the necessary guidance.
In conclusion, the AP’s guidelines on AI usage in news emphasize the importance of careful vetting and verification. While AI has its benefits, news organizations must ensure that the content they publish is credible and accurate. The landscape of AI is constantly evolving, and the AP recognizes the need to update its guidance regularly to keep up with these changes. As AI continues to impact various aspects of our lives, successful AI stories will shed light on how these tools affect different areas, including politics, entertainment, education, and human rights.
