Greece: Unions launch first code of ethics for AI in journalism
The Panhellenic Federation of Journalists’ Unions (POESY) launched itsCode of Ethics covering the use of artificial intelligence by journalists at its unveiling event in Athens, on 13 May 2025. Adopted by the five member unions of the federation, the code was developed over the course of a year by a committee of legal experts, journalists and ethics experts.
At the heart of the initiative is a ten point ethical framework that aims to protect journalistic integrity, uphold public trust, and safeguard democratic values, some including training and awareness, journalism ethics as a compass, editorial responsibility, transparency and accountability, and impartiality and nondiscrimination.
“The code is a text written in simple language so that everyone can understand it. The central role is played by the human being, the journalist,” said the Chairman of the drafting committee Spyros Vlachopoulos. “Artificial Intelligence cannot replace the human being, it cannot replace the journalist in the exercise of the journalistic function. The journalist may be assisted in his work by Artificial Intelligence, but he must in any case control it.”
POESY President Sotiris Triantafyllou added: “Today is a day of which we are proud. The trade union movement of journalists is pioneering and attempting a very important intervention both in the public debate and in the use of artificial intelligence. We are the first to draft a Code of Ethics for the use of Artificial Intelligence by media outlets and journalists. We are the first to set the framework and establish rules for its use.”
The ultimate aim, POESY states, is to ensure that AI becomes a force for democratic enhancement and a tool for delivering reliable information to the public.
POSEY’s initiative could be a potential blueprint for other journalist unions, as the EU prepares to implement the AI Act. It is in hopes that the initiative will promote upholding journalistic standards, even with evolving, unprecedented technology.
