The media landscape has evolved significantly over the years, with the Internet and social media playing crucial roles in shaping it. However, there is now a growing concern about the potential impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on this already unstable ecosystem. The recent introduction of ChatGPT, a conversational robot capable of creating texts, pictures, and videos, has ignited numerous discussions and debates on the matter.
Acknowledging the need to address this issue, the Le Monde group has taken a proactive approach by adopting a charter on the use of AI within its newsrooms. This charter serves as an extension of the group’s existing ethics and deontology charter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human involvement in journalistic productions. The document, which was approved by the group’s ethics and deontology committee on December 15, 2023, involves journalists’ associations from all of the group’s titles.
The charter consists of four articles, beginning with a clear principle stated in the preamble: “Under no circumstances can AI replace humans in our journalistic productions and achievements.” This principle underscores the commitment to preserving the role of humans in the newsrooms of Le Monde Group. Furthermore, the charter emphasizes that generative AI can only be used as a tool to assist editorial production, under strictly defined conditions. It emphasizes that no editorial content will be created outside the human intelligence communities within the group’s newsrooms.
In an effort to maintain transparency and integrity, the charter stipulates that any use of generative AI beyond editorial production must be explicitly communicated to readers. Additionally, the use of generative AI to create images is strictly prohibited. The group affirms that the primary purpose of utilizing generative AI is to enhance the quality of news content.
While the charter firmly establishes the boundaries for the use of generative AI, it also highlights the potential benefits and opportunities that AI can bring to the media landscape. Le Monde Group has already embraced certain AI-based tools to improve its services. For instance, the English-language version of Le Monde’s website and app includes articles that are translated from French using a combination of automatic translation software, human translators, and English-speaking journalists. This approach has allowed for the creation of jobs within Le Monde’s newsroom and demonstrates that AI does not necessarily result in job cuts.
Another example of AI’s positive impact is the provision of audio versions of articles for French-language users of the Le Monde app. These audio versions are generated automatically from the written text and incorporate recorded voices. Although there may be imperfections in pronunciation, AI continuously improves the speech quality over time, offering readers an alternative way to engage with the content.
Furthermore, AI plays a crucial role in moderating comments from Le Monde subscribers. While human moderators are essential, AI helps identify and flag messages that violate the contributions charter. This integration of AI aids in tackling the challenges posed by users who attempt to circumvent the defined rules.
In conclusion, the adoption of a charter on the use of AI by Le Monde Group’s newsrooms reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining human involvement in journalistic productions. It safeguards the integrity and trust that readers place in Le Monde Group’s titles. Although generative AI has the potential to disrupt the media landscape, its controlled use can bring about positive changes, enhance services, and create new opportunities. By setting clear boundaries and guidelines, Le Monde Group is paving the way for responsible and ethical integration of AI in journalism.
FAQ:
Q: Will AI replace humans in Le Monde Group’s journalistic productions?
A: No, under no circumstances can AI replace humans in Le Monde Group’s journalistic productions and achievements, as stated in the charter on the use of AI.
Q: Can generative AI be used to create images?
A: No, the use of generative AI to create images is prohibited within Le Monde Group.
Q: How does Le Monde Group use AI to improve its services?
A: Le Monde Group incorporates AI in various ways, such as utilizing automatic translation software, providing audio versions of articles, and assisting in comment moderation.
Q: Does the use of generative AI result in job cuts?
A: No, the adoption of AI-based tools within Le Monde Group’s newsrooms has created jobs for English-speaking journalists, highlighting that AI can complement human efforts rather than replacing them.
Definitions:
1. Generative artificial intelligence (AI): AI that is capable of creating new and original content, such as texts, pictures, and videos.
2. Ethics and deontology: Principles and rules that govern the behavior and conduct of professionals in a particular field, in this case, journalism.
Suggested related links:
– Le Monde – The main domain of Le Monde group’s website, providing access to their news and articles.
– Le Monde’s Ethics and Deontology Charter – Provides information on the ethics and deontology charter adopted by Le Monde group, which is mentioned in the article and serves as the basis for the charter on the use of AI.
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The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com