At Assortedge, we recognize the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in journalism. While we embrace innovation, we do so guided by a commitment to ethical practices, editorial transparency, and public trust. This policy outlines how we use — and do not use — AI in our reporting, publishing, and newsroom operations.
Human-Led, Technology-Supported
Journalism at Assortedge begins and ends with human judgment. We may use AI tools to streamline workflows, assist with data processing, or support creative exploration — but all editorial decisions, ethical calls, and final publications are made by real editors and reporters.
We use AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, editorial work.
Examples of appropriate AI usage include:
- Transcription of interviews or recordings
- Summarization of lengthy documents or datasets for internal use
- Grammar and clarity suggestions through AI-enhanced writing tools
- Tagging, categorization, and SEO optimization
- Headline testing and A/B variant generation
- Multilingual translation assistance (reviewed by human editors)
No story, script, or article is published without editorial verification and approval.
Transparency and Disclosure
If any published content — including visuals, text, or audio — has been significantly generated or assisted by AI, we will clearly disclose it to our readers.
We are especially cautious about:
- Synthetic media, including AI-generated photos, voices, or videos
- Automated analysis of sensitive datasets
- Machine learning-driven inferences that could misrepresent people or groups
In rare cases where generative AI tools are used in storytelling (e.g., illustration or simulation), we will:
- Label it clearly
- Explain the tool and its function
- Offer context for interpretation
What We Don’t Use AI For
We do not use AI tools in the following ways:
- To fabricate quotes, sources, or events
- To write opinion columns or investigative pieces
- To impersonate real people, voices, or likenesses
- To publish AI-generated images without disclosure
- To moderate sensitive comments or community content without human review
- To mislead, manipulate, or obscure authorship
We do not allow AI-generated bylines or pass off synthetic content as human work.
Accuracy, Bias, and Ethical Review
AI systems are only as reliable as the data they are trained on. Many models carry embedded biases, inaccuracies, or ethical blind spots. At Assortedge, we:
- Review all AI-assisted content for factual integrity and fairness
- Evaluate tools before adoption to identify ethical risks
- Apply additional scrutiny to stories involving race, gender, politics, health, or vulnerable communities
If a piece contains AI-generated insights or patterns, it must be independently verified and framed with editorial caution.
Privacy and Consent
We do not input personal user data, confidential interviews, or internal editorial material into third-party AI tools without proper safeguards.
If we use AI to assist with content moderation, trend analysis, or engagement metrics, that usage is limited, anonymized, and protected by our internal data protocols.
We comply with relevant privacy laws, including the Philippine Data Privacy Act and international standards like GDPR.
Editorial Integrity and Training
All staff are briefed on ethical AI use and required to follow our guidelines. If a contributor uses AI in a submission, they must disclose it upon entry. Non-disclosure may result in content rejection or removal.
Assortedge is committed to transparency in its internal systems, and any future expansion of AI usage will undergo editorial review, staff consultation, and public disclosure.
We believe media organizations must lead by example when engaging with emerging technologies. Our audience deserves honesty — not just in facts, but in the methods we use to tell stories.
Questions, clarifications, or concerns about this policy can be directed to:
feedback@assortedge.org
We will regularly update this policy as AI systems evolve — but our commitment remains the same: to produce journalism that is transparent, human-centered, and grounded in public interest.