Carmarthenshire News Online: AI Editorial Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy governs the ethical, responsible, and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the editorial process at Carmarthenshire News Online. It applies to all journalists, editors, and contributors who use AI to create, edit, or enhance content published under our name.

2. Editorial Oversight and Standards

All AI-generated, edited, or enhanced content is subject to the same editorial scrutiny as any other journalistic material.

AI tools are used as assistive technologies, not as autonomous content creators. Final editorial responsibility always rests with the human journalist using the tool.

Journalists must apply rigorous editorial standards, including fact-checking, verification, accuracy, and attribution, to any AI-assisted content.

3. Ethical Use of AI

We are committed to the ethical use of AI in journalism. This includes:

Ensuring that AI tools do not contribute to the spread of misinformation or bias.

Preventing AI from rewriting content in a way that distorts the original meaning or introduces inaccuracies.

Using AI in a way that respects source material, human contributions, and the trust of our readership.

4. Editorial Processes and Review

AI tools may be used for summarising, enhancing clarity, suggesting structural improvements, or grammar correction.

Journalists are required to review and approve all AI-assisted output, ensuring it aligns with our editorial guidelines.

Any content significantly influenced by AI must be transparently credited, either through a byline or footnote stating: “This article was written/enhanced using AI tools under the supervision of our editorial team.”

5. Responsibility and Accountability

The human journalist using the AI tool bears full responsibility for the accuracy, legality, and integrity of the published content.

Any misuse or negligent reliance on AI, especially resulting in factual errors, ethical breaches, or reputational harm, will prompt:

An internal editorial review;

Possible temporary restrictions on access to publication systems;

And, if necessary, additional training or disciplinary measures.

6. Complaint Handling and Corrections

All complaints relating to AI-generated or enhanced content will be reviewed by the editorial team.

Where there is reasonable cause to suspect misinformation or inaccuracy due to AI use, a full editorial review will be undertaken.

Articles found to contain errors will be amended promptly, and all changes will be noted transparently in the article’s bibliography or editorial note.

7. Transparency and Trust

We believe in maintaining transparency with our audience. Where applicable, we will indicate the use of AI tools in article metadata or accompanying statements.

This approach reflects our commitment to editorial integrity, audience trust, and responsible innovation in journalism.

8. Continuous Improvement

As AI tools evolve, this policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect emerging best practices, regulatory changes, and the needs of our readers and editorial staff.