Indonesia’s Press Council Issues Guideline on AI Use in Journalism
The Indonesian Press Council has issued a guideline on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalistic work, aimed at ensuring ethical and transparent use of AI technology while upholding journalistic integrity in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Development of the Guideline
The drafting process for the guideline began in April 2024 and involved a task force comprising internal members, representatives from media outlets, and a drafting team. The council collected feedback from media organizations already using AI in their reporting, as well as from experts in the field.
Key Provisions
The guideline consists of eight chapters and ten articles covering various aspects, including general provisions, basic principles, technology, publication, commercialisation, protection, dispute resolution, and conclusion. One article in the guideline specifies that the use of AI in creating journalistic work must be supervised by humans.
Importance of Human Oversight
The guideline emphasizes the importance of human oversight in the use of AI technology in journalism. Press Council Chairperson Ninik Rahayu noted that strict control and ethical standards must be maintained to ensure AI does not undermine fundamental journalistic values like accuracy, fairness, and independence.
Supporting Tool, Not Replacement
The Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has emphasized that AI cannot replace journalistic work but can only serve as a supporting tool. AJI Indonesia Chairperson Nany Afrida stated, "AI technology is meant to assist our work. It does not serve as the foundation of journalism."
Implementation and Feedback
The guideline underwent a public testing phase that included input from stakeholders, such as the Supreme Court. The council hopes that the guideline will help accelerate journalistic processes and improve work efficiency.
Conclusion
The Indonesian Press Council’s guideline on AI use in journalism aims to ensure ethical and transparent use of AI technology while upholding journalistic integrity. By emphasizing the importance of human oversight and AI as a supporting tool, the guideline provides a framework for responsible AI use in the journalism industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the guideline?
A: The guideline aims to ensure ethical and transparent use of AI technology while upholding journalistic integrity in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Q: Who was involved in the development of the guideline?
A: The task force comprised internal members, representatives from media outlets, and a drafting team.
Q: What is the significance of human oversight in AI use in journalism?
A: Human oversight is crucial to ensure AI does not undermine fundamental journalistic values like accuracy, fairness, and independence.
Q: Can AI replace journalistic work?
A: No, AI cannot replace journalistic work but can only serve as a supporting tool.