AP today released updated newsroom standards governing the use of artificial intelligence, reinforcing that AI can assist journalists with specific tasks. Editorial judgment, verification and accountability remain the responsibility of AP journalists.
The updated guidance further expands and defines how some AI tools may be used across the AP newsroom while adding new standards for reporting on AI-generated and manipulated content. It also introduces guidance for the use of AI coding assistants in software development.
Among the approved uses of AI are:
- Assisting with early-stage research and document summarization.
- Supporting transcription and translation.
- Suggesting headlines, story summaries and shotlists.
- Assisting with grammar, spelling and search optimization.
In every case, AI-generated output is reviewed and edited by AP journalists before publication. AI does not replace reporting, sourcing, editorial judgment or verification. AP continues to prohibit the use of generative AI to create, alter or enhance news photography.
The updated standards also provide guidance for verifying and reporting on AI-generated and manipulated content, requiring that such material be clearly identified and presented in context when it is included in AP journalism. They establish disclosure standards for instances in which generative AI plays a material role in published content.
Accuracy, fairness and speed remain the guiding values of AP’s news report. As AI technology evolves, AP will continue to evaluate where it can responsibly improve newsroom workflows while maintaining the editorial standards and human oversight that define AP journalism.
