WASHINGTON, DC — A better, more comprehensive understanding of the uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in news is essential to the creation of effective policy that best serves the public and safeguards an independent press, according to a new report released today by the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI).

The report details discussions from CNTI’s recent convening, Defining AI in Journalism, which is the first in a series designed to foster a globally focused, cross-industry dialogue on the implications of AI use in journalism. 

The event, co-sponsored by the Computer History Museum, brought together legal and intellectual property experts from OpenAI, Google and Microsoft; leading journalists from the Associated Press, Axios, Brazil’s Núcleo Jornalismo and Nigeria’s Premium Times; researchers in AI and intellectual property law; and technology policy and industry experts. The event was moderated by CNTI board member Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director at the Stanford Cyber Policy Center and a former Member of the European Parliament.

Panelists considered questions related to defining AI in the news, including: How should policy define “artificial intelligence” in journalism, and what should fit into that bucket? How do we use language that plans for future technological changes? What are the important complexities related to copyright considerations around AI in journalism?

Key takeaways from the discussion, detailed in the report, include several recommendations:

1. Better articulation, categorization and understanding of AI is essential for productive discussions.
2. The line between a particular AI use as a benefit or harm to society often depends on its context and degree of use, making specificity vital to effective policy.
3. Even as policy is groundbreaking, it must also take into account how it relates to and builds on prior policy.
4. One policy goal should be to address disparities in the uses and benefits of AI as a public good. 
5. Both inputs and outputs, at all stages of building and using AI, need to be considered thoroughly in policy development.

This event was held under a modified Chatham House Rule in which CNTI agreed to publicly list all participants and their affiliations but would not explicitly or implicitly identify who said what during the discussion. Participants may also speak about the event, barring any direct statements about or made by participants.   

This was CNTI’s inaugural event convening leaders in journalism, technology, policy and research for evidence-based, solutions-oriented discussions, and is the first in a series of AI-focused convenings focused on the benefits and challenges of AI in Journalism and ensuring the public’s access to fact-based news.