The Globe is devoting significant energy to thinking through how fast-evolving generative AI will change the way we work – particularly the promise of artificial intelligence as a journalistic tool, but also the threat it poses to truth and transparency, which are the core tenets of JOBFlocks.
Our promise to readers is that the best work comes from our own (human) curiosity and creativity as well as our commitment to accuracy and fairness. Our brand is built on the work our reporters, editors and visual journalists do every day.
The Globe’s use of AI is guided by the following principles:
AI in the service of original journalism: This is the overarching theme that guides how we work with artificial intelligence, which will transform journalism in unforeseen ways.
AI, creatively and responsibly deployed, allows us to report in ways that would not be possible otherwise. But like any other technology, it must be used to support our journalism, never for its own sake.
Accuracy: Any output from generative AI gets the same treatment as a tip from an unknown source. Every claim, fact or figure must be independently confirmed by the newsroom before it contributes to published work.
Security: Our policy is to use only vetted and approved AI tools, and only with a senior editor’s approval whenever we are working with confidential information.
Accountability: We are responsible for what we publish. Any AI process requires human oversight and guidance to ensure our standards are followed and we can stand behind the result.
Transparency: Any use of AI beyond what’s outlined below that contributes to published journalism must be disclosed and communicated to the reader.
AI tools are prone to errors of fact and logic, which can be minimized but not eliminated. Large-language models also have deeply ingrained biases due to their underlying code and training material.
As such, Globe journalists will not use AI for:
- writing or editing stories
- working with information that is not already available to the general public (outside of Globe-approved specific use cases, such as investigative journalism)
- photojournalism
How is The Globe newsroom using AI today?
Experimentation with AI tools is encouraged – within the guardrails outlined above. The specific value of AI will vary by role across the newsroom, and staff are encouraged to explore how it might help them in their day-to-day work.
And, because generative AI is poised to be a disruptive technology across Canadians’ professional and personal lives, it is incumbent on our journalists to understand how AI works so we can accurately and independently report on its societal effects.
Here are some examples on where AI fits in with our current practices:
Reporters and editors may use generative AI tools for interview transcription, research and analyzing publicly available information. Globe journalists must confirm all facts presented by AI tools through additional reporting, and are responsible for the accuracy of any information that appears in their stories.
Our investigative and data teams may use AI as part of their research and analysis workflow. This might include things like examining and querying large sets of documents, creating databases, and building applications that automate repeatable processes.
Our developers and designers may use AI to write and debug code, prototype reader experiences, and build tools that support their colleagues.
Our visuals team may use AI technology as part of reporting on disinformation campaigns and educating readers about the perils of deepfakes and other AI-generated social media material.
All newsroom staff must disclose to their editors when they use AI in any part of their process.
How does this policy apply to how The Globe works with freelance journalists?
Our editorial guidelines extend to anyone producing journalism for The Globe, including freelancers. As such, we proactively communicate our standards and expectations to all contributors, whether they are submitting text or visual material. All freelancers are also required to adhere to this policy and our Editorial Code of Conduct.
Our editing and visuals teams are equipped with tools and best practices for identifying AI-generated content that may be created by external sources like governments, brands and special-interest groups.
Read our extended AI guidelines for freelance contributors
As this technology continues to evolve, so will The Globe’s policies. We will remain steadfast in our promise to deliver independent, original journalism that only humans can produce – but will not shy away from harnessing the transformative potential of AI.
If you have questions or feedback on The Globe’s use of AI in the newsroom, please reach out to Standards Editor Sandra Martin.