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LA Times Uses AI to Provide "Different Views" on the KKK

Mar 04, 2025 - futurism.com
The _Los Angeles Times_ has integrated artificial intelligence into its opinion articles, generating AI-enabled counter-arguments without input from its journalists. This initiative, announced by the newspaper's owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, aims to provide diverse perspectives but has already faced backlash. An article about Anaheim residents expelling the Ku Klux Klan 100 years ago was amended with AI-generated insights that appeared to downplay the KKK's actions, sparking criticism for giving undue legitimacy to racist narratives. These additions, created with the help of AI startup Perplexity, were removed following public outcry.

The _LA Times_ Guild has expressed concerns about the lack of editorial oversight on these AI-generated additions, warning that this approach could undermine trust in the media. The newspaper's communications team has not commented on the incident or the removal of the controversial content. Critics argue that unvetted AI analysis could further erode confidence in journalism, highlighting the risks of relying on AI for sensitive topics.

Key takeaways:

  • The Los Angeles Times is incorporating AI-generated counter-arguments into its opinion articles without input from its journalists.
  • An AI-generated addition to an article about the Ku Klux Klan was criticized for downplaying the group's historical impact, leading to backlash and removal of the content.
  • The LA Times Guild expressed concerns that AI-generated content not reviewed by editors could erode trust in the media.
  • AI startup Perplexity, which partnered with the LA Times, is facing a lawsuit from the New York Times and other outlets for alleged copyright infringement.
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