The use of AI in newsrooms is a contentious issue, with some organizations already using AI to generate stories on topics like corporate earnings reports. However, there are concerns that if not carefully edited and checked, AI-generated articles could spread misinformation. Google's new tool is likely to increase anxiety among journalists who have been writing their own articles for decades. Despite these concerns, Google continues to develop and deploy generative AI at a rapid pace.
Key takeaways:
- Google is testing a product, known as Genesis, that uses artificial intelligence to generate news stories and has pitched it to major news organizations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and News Corp.
- Some executives who saw Google's pitch described it as unsettling, questioning the assumption that AI could easily replicate the effort that goes into producing accurate and artful news stories.
- While some news organizations have already used AI to generate stories on certain topics, there are concerns that widespread use of AI could spread misinformation and affect the perception of traditionally written stories.
- Google's move comes amid calls from governments worldwide for the tech giant to give news outlets a larger share of its advertising revenue, leading to Google forging more partnerships with news organizations under its News Showcase program.