EFJ joined international committee for an “AI Charter in Media”
Journalists and media outlets are adapting their practices to integrate more and more automated processes into their workflows. As the challenge posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism is immense, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the international committee to develop a charter aimed at regulating the use of AI in media, an initiative launched by Reporters without Borders (RSF). First results are expected before the end of the year 2023.
“We certainly share the same urgency of the journalists, organisations, academics and other media stakeholders to react to the opportunities and risks posed by AI technologies. While algorithms and other automated processes are developing, journalistic ethics, transparency and protection of copyright must be strengthened. The future guidelines should support journalists and media outlets towards this end, and we are happy to contribute to this important discussion,” said EFJ Director Renate Schroeder.
The committee’s role is to develop a set of principles, rights, and obligations for information professionals regarding the use of AI-based systems with the objective to preserve the quality of information and the public trust in journalism.
Chaired by Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize 2021, the committee consists of 21 members from 13 different countries (see the list here), academic and professionals in the fields of journalism, AI and digital technologies. The EFJ is represented by Hanna Möllers, AI expert and Deputy General Secretary of the German journalists’ association Deutsche-Journalisten-Verband (DJV).
The first meeting, which took place on 22 August 2023, focused on defining the founding principles of the charter.
“The first meeting was very constructive and inspiring. The participants agree that the new technology offers journalists and society a great opportunity if used wisely. However, it is also important to recognise and limit the dangers that arise from the unregulated use of AI. This is the major challenge that the committee wants to tackle,” added Hanna Möllers.
Further meetings will be held in the near future to clarify and elaborate on these principles in order to produce a document that can be applied within the newsrooms.
