AI in Journalism: Ally or Adversary?
amsterdam, dinsdag, 21 oktober 2025.
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing journalism. While AI tools such as AIorNot and Illuminarty.ai assist in fact-checking AI-generated images, they are not yet reliable enough. FullFact, a British fact-checking organisation, has established a dedicated department for AI software, and AFP demonstrates how AI images can be fact-checked. These developments show how AI can both be a resource and a challenge for journalists.
AI Tools in Fact-Checking
One of the most notable developments in journalism is the use of AI tools for fact-checking. Tools like AIorNot and Illuminarty.ai help identify and validate AI-generated images, although they are not yet fully reliable. FullFact, a British fact-checking organisation, has therefore established a special department for developing AI software specifically designed for fact-checkers. These tools provide journalists with powerful resources to verify the authenticity of media, which is crucial in an era where deepfake technology is becoming increasingly advanced [1].
Practical Examples and Applications
AFP, an international news agency, recently demonstrated how AI images can be fact-checked by analysing an old, AI-generated video of a protester. This demonstration showed how complex and time-consuming the process can be, but also how essential it is for maintaining journalistic integrity. PolitiFact, an American fact-checking organisation, has also investigated how AI versions of famous artists sang odes about the murdered political activist Charlie Kirk, which were viewed millions of times. This case highlights the urgency of reliable fact-checking methods in the digital age [1].
Impact on News Production and Consumption
The integration of AI into journalism has both positive and negative implications for news production and consumption. On the positive side, AI tools can help journalists analyse large datasets more quickly and accurately, enabling them to identify important trends and patterns swiftly. This can lead to more in-depth and relevant news stories. On the negative side, the spread of misinformation and disinformation through AI-generated content is a growing problem. Journalists must therefore be extra vigilant and have the right tools to detect and distinguish this content from genuine information [1].
Ethical Considerations
In addition to practical challenges, the application of AI in journalism raises ethical questions. The potential misuse of AI for generating deepfakes and other false content is a serious concern. Journalists must not only be technically proficient but also possess a strong moral compass. Organisations like FullFact and AFP play a crucial role by developing guidelines and standards for the use of AI in journalism [1].
Future Perspectives
The future of AI in journalism is both promising and challenging. As AI continues to evolve, it will be important to strike a balance between the benefits of automation and the need for human oversight and ethical considerations. Journalists and media organisations must proactively invest in training and development of AI tools to be prepared for the upcoming challenges and opportunities [1].