Council of Europe adopts landmark AI guidelines for journalism

The Council of Europe adopted on December 29 a set of guidelines aimed at responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in journalistic practice. This move is an important step toward ensuring that the evolving field of AI in journalism is consistent with the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

comprehensive and practical

The guidance formulated by the Commission’s Intergovernmental Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) provides a broad framework for the use of AI in journalism. This includes various stages of journalistic production, including decisions to implement AI systems, procurement of AI tools, and integration into newsroom practices.​​​​​. In particular, they also consider the impact AI will have on audiences and society at large.

Collaborative approach

These guidelines are not just for news media organizations, but also apply to state governments, technology providers, and digital platforms that disseminate news. The Council of Europe addresses these diverse stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the responsible use of AI in journalism. This includes assigning responsibility to technology providers and platforms, as well as encouraging member states to develop standards and provide support (including financial support where possible) for the development of responsible journalism AI systems.​​​​

AI’s growing influence on journalism

These guidelines come at a time when the role of AI in journalism is becoming increasingly prominent and diverse. For example, Channel 1 AI announced plans to open an AI-powered newsroom in 2024. Likewise, German media giant Axel Springer has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its journalism. These developments, along with concerns about copyright issues and training AI models on media content, highlight the importance of establishing clear and responsible guidelines for the use of AI in journalism.

Align with your broader AI strategy

This guidance has been developed alongside the Council of Europe’s broader efforts to create a framework agreement on AI. This represents a strategic alignment and intention to embed these guidelines into a larger, more comprehensive structure that governs the use of AI across various sectors.

A milestone in responsible use of AI

In conclusion, the Council of Europe directive represents a pivotal moment in the integration of AI into journalism. By setting standards that respect human rights and the rule of law, these guidelines are poised to shape the future of AI in news media and create an environment where the technology improves journalistic integrity and public trust.

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