The trial is part of the Google News Initiative (GNI), and it's currently focusing on a handful of smaller outlets. Despite concerns about the AI tool diverting readers from original sources, Google maintains that publishers remain in full editorial control of what is published on their site. The company also clarified that the AI tools are not meant to replace journalists but to assist them in their work.
Key takeaways:
- Google has launched an experimental program providing independent publishers access to a beta AI platform for generating news articles.
- Publishers are expected to publish three AI-generated articles daily, one weekly newsletter, and one monthly marketing campaign, and provide feedback to Google.
- Google is offering significant amounts to small publishers to try out these generative AI tools, but the use of such tools has previously faced backlash.
- Despite concerns about the AI tool taking credit for others' work, Google maintains that publishers remain in full editorial control of what is published on their site.