Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation, editing, reporting, and publishing. The goal is to uphold high standards of integrity, trust, and quality, ensuring that AI is used responsibly across all aspects of our work.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and freelancers engaged with The Krehbiel Group.
1. General Principles
Transparency: If AI technology is used in the creation, editing, or publishing process, this must be disclosed clearly. This includes any significant AI contribution to text, images, video, audio, or data analysis in our published content.
Accountability: AI tools will be used to support human work and cannot replace editorial judgment. Employees are responsible for the final quality and accuracy of any content generated or assisted by AI.
Data Privacy and Compliance: No sensitive or personal information may be uploaded to AI.
2. Permissible Uses of AI
Assistance in Research and Analysis: AI tools may be used to support research, data analysis, and trend identification, provided the final output is reviewed and verified by a human editor.
Editorial Support: AI tools, such as grammar checkers or summarization tools, may assist in drafting or editing content. In most cases, these tools should be used only to support editorial staff, not to replace human judgment. If AI is used to create material that has not been reviewed by a human — such as a summary of an article — that has to be disclosed prominently.
Image and Audio Processing: AI may be employed to enhance images or audio files for clarity, quality, and formatting. Significant AI alterations should be disclosed, and use must adhere to authenticity standards, avoiding any manipulation that may mislead audiences.
3. Prohibited Uses of AI
Automated Content Generation: Fully automated AI-generated content, without human oversight, is strictly prohibited except as an add-on feature, such as a summary of an article, and in such cases must be prominently disclosed.
Fake news: AI may not be used to alter content in a misleading or deceptive manner, such as AI-generated images purporting to depict real persons or events.
Sensitive Content Creation: AI must not be used to create or edit content that requires special sensitivity and ethical oversight, such as political commentary, social issues, or personal profiles.
4. Editorial Oversight and Quality Assurance
Except as noted above, all content generated or assisted by AI must undergo thorough human review to ensure accuracy, credibility, and relevance. Editors are responsible for verifying facts, identifying biases, and ensuring that AI-generated or AI-assisted content meets high ethical standards.
5. Disclosure
We commit to transparency with our audience regarding AI’s role in content creation. Any article, image, or multimedia piece significantly influenced by AI will carry a disclosure, such as “This content was generated with the assistance of AI” or “This image was enhanced using AI technology.”
6. Training and Ongoing Evaluation
To support the responsible use of AI, The Krehbiel Group will provide ongoing training for employees on AI tools, ethical implications, and best practices in AI-assisted journalism. This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated in response to new developments in AI technology and its ethical considerations.