Charter of Paris, a document that seeks to establish ethical principles in the use of AI in journalism

Source: Laboratorio de Periodismo, Luca de Tena

-Reporters Without Borders, in collaboration with 16 organizations, has produced the Charter of Paris on Artificial Intelligence and Journalism, a document that seeks to establish ethical principles in the use of AI in journalism. . .

This initiative, announced during the Paris Peace Forum a few days ago, marks a new step forward in the search for a balance between technological innovation and informative integrity.

The commission in charge of working on the document, headed by journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, involved 32 specialists from 20 countries, including experts in journalism and artificial intelligence.

 Fundamental principles of the Charter

The Charter sets out ten fundamental principles to ensure that AI is applied ethically in journalism, and a preamble, which highlights the commitment of the journalism community to the defense of human rights, peace and democracy in the context of AI.

It emphasizes the historical relationship between technological progress and journalism, recognizing AI as a significant change in information gathering and dissemination.

Principles include:

1-Ethical guidance in the use of technology: technologies should serve to guarantee the right to quality and reliable information.

2-Priority of human decision making: Decision making should remain a human process in editorial strategies and choices.

3-Independent evaluation of AI systems: these systems must be subject to independent evaluations that support journalistic ethical values.

4-Media editorial responsibility: the media should take responsibility for published content, including the use of AI.

5-Transparency in the use of AI: the significant use of AI in the production or distribution of journalistic content should be disclosed.

6-Origin and traceability of content: the media should guarantee the authenticity and provenance of published content.

7-Differentiation between authentic and synthetic content: it is essential to establish a clear distinction between real content and that altered or created by AI.

8-Information integrity in content personalization: The design and use of AI systems must respect information integrity and foster democratic dialogue.

9-Participation in AI governance: Journalists and media should play an active role in AI governance, ensuring that it respects democratic values.

10-Ethical and economic sustainability in relation to AI: it is essential that agreements with AI organizations promote the sustainability of journalism and respect ethical journalistic principles.