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Google is testing an AI tool that can write news articles

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Summary

Google is testing an AI tool called "Genesis" that can write news stories and has pitched it to several news organizations. The tech giant believes it can be used as a form of "responsible technology" to free up time for journalists. However, some executives find it unsettling and there is concern that AI-generated stories without fact-checking or editing have the potential to spread misinformation. CNET has already begun using generative AI to produce articles, which has resulted in many factual errors and plagiarism.

Q&As

What is the AI tool Google is testing called?
The AI tool Google is testing is called "Genesis".

What news publications has Google pitched the AI tool to?
Google has pitched the AI tool to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal’s owner, News Corp.

How does Google see the AI tool as being beneficial to journalists?
Google sees the AI tool as a form of “responsible technology” that can serve as a personal assistant for journalists by automating some tasks in order to free up time for others.

What kind of mistakes did the American media website CNET make when it used AI to generate articles?
CNET made mistakes in more than half of the articles generated by AI, including factual errors and plagiarized material.

How does Google intend to use AI responsibly in newsrooms?
Google intends to use AI responsibly in newsrooms by providing AI-enabled tools to help journalists with their work, such as options for headlines or different writing styles.

AI Comments

👍 This article is a great overview of the potential applications of AI for news organizations, and how Google is looking to help journalists with their work.

👎 The potential for AI-generated articles to spread misinformation is concerning, and CNET's experience with AI-generated articles serves as a cautionary tale.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about Google testing an AI tool that can write news articles. The tech giant has pitched the AI tool to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal's owner, News Corp.

Friend: That's interesting. What are the implications of this?

Me: Well, it could have a major impact on the media industry. It could free up time for journalists to focus on other tasks, but it also has the potential to spread misinformation if the articles are not fact-checked and edited properly. It could also lead to job losses if organizations start relying on AI to generate stories. There's also the potential for plagiarism if the AI isn't programmed properly.

Action items

Research the potential implications of AI-generated news articles and how they could be used responsibly.
Reach out to news organizations that are exploring the use of AI in their newsrooms to learn more about their experiences.
Develop a plan for how to fact-check and thoroughly-edit AI-generated articles to ensure accuracy and avoid the spread of misinformation.

Technical terms

AI (Artificial Intelligence): AI is a type of computer technology that is designed to simulate human intelligence and behavior. It is used to create computer programs that can think and act like humans.
Generative AI: Generative AI is a type of AI that is used to generate content, such as news articles, from data.
Fact-Checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of facts or information. It is often used in journalism to ensure that stories are accurate and reliable.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work without giving them credit. It is considered a form of intellectual theft and is illegal in many countries.