On Friday (10/11), guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism were introduced by the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other media associations. The introduction of AI technology is considered essential to protect human rights, peace, and universal values, in line with the contents of the Paris Charter published in the capital of France.

Maria Ressa, the Editor-in-Chief of Rappler and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from the Philippines, is among the committee members, along with representatives from the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Pulitzer Center, and the Thomson Foundation. Deutsche Welle is also involved in the committee through the educational institution DW Akademie, represented by Jan Lublinski, the director of education and a German science journalist.

AI technology brings significant changes, especially in how information is acquired, truth is sought, stories are told, and ideas are disseminated. The involved organizations write that this will reshape journalism. In the Paris Charter, there are ten basic rules that are deemed binding for media and journalists.

These rules emphasize that the use of AI technology should not violate fundamental journalistic values such as truth and accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and independence. The editorial team is expected to clearly define the purpose of AI applications, to what extent, and under what conditions. Additionally, media is encouraged to assess its potential impact.

It is important to respect privacy, intellectual property, and data protection. Media is also advised to use state-of-the-art technology to verify the authenticity of their content, its origin, and the history of digital changes or manipulation. Media is reminded not to mislead the public, for example, by using artificially created photos.

Maria Ressa stated that artificial intelligence can provide tremendous benefits but also has the potential to increase mind manipulation on an unprecedented scale. Therefore, a widely recognized ethical foundation is crucial for journalism today.

RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire added that the Paris Charter serves as the world's first ethical benchmark for the use of AI in journalism. Factual evidence, a clear distinction between original and synthetic content, editorial independence, and human responsibility are considered the primary guarantees for the right to trustworthy news and information in the AI era.