However, the move has raised concerns, as AI is still a developing technology and not a failsafe replacement for human judgment. Critics argue that algorithms can also be programmed with biases, and unless Soon-Shiong's bias meter is open-source and auditable, it may not be valuable to readers. The announcement comes amidst significant changes at the paper, including large-scale layoffs and a perceived shift towards political bias by Soon-Shiong himself.
Key takeaways:
- Billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Times, Soon-Shiong, plans to integrate an AI-powered “bias meter” into the paper’s coverage to make its reporting more politically neutral.
- The bias meter would allow readers to understand the level of bias in the source of an article and provide an alternative viewpoint on the same story.
- Soon-Shiong has been criticized for his own lack of neutrality, with claims he is increasingly showing support for Trump and his administration.
- Concerns have been raised about the reliability of using an AI algorithm to enforce neutrality in political reporting, with critics arguing it could be programmed with its own biases and is not a failsafe replacement for human judgment.