Google is reportedly conducting tests on a new artificial intelligence (AI) product called Genesis, aimed at producing news stories.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Google has approached prominent news organizations, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and News Corp, which owns The Wall Street Journal, to pitch the tool, according to the New York Times.
The Genesis tool utilizes AI technology to process various information, including details about current events, and generates news content.
According to one insider, Google envisions this product as a sort of assistant for journalists, automating certain tasks and freeing up their time for other important activities. The company believes that Genesis could be responsible technology that guides the publishing industry away from potential pitfalls related to generative AI.
However, The Times reports that executives who saw Google’s presentation found it “unsettling.” It seemed to overlook the effort invested in producing accurate and well-crafted news stories. Critics fear that relying on AI for news production might diminish the quality and integrity of journalism.
In response to the news, a Google spokeswoman, Jenn Crider clarified that the company is still in the early stages of exploring the potential of AI-enabled tools to aid journalists. She emphasized that these tools are not intended to replace journalists but rather to offer options for headlines and writing styles.
“Quite simply, these tools are not intended to, and cannot, replace the essential role journalists have in reporting, creating and fact-checking their articles,” she said.
News organizations worldwide are grappling with the ethical implications of using AI in their newsrooms. Several have expressed their intentions to cautiously explore AI’s responsible application to news reporting, given its time-sensitive nature and the critical need for accuracy.
While some news outlets, such as The Associated Press, have already employed AI to generate a small percentage of their stories, Google’s new tool represents a significant step forward, enabling wider-scale article generation. However, concerns arise about the risk of misinformation if articles are not thoroughly edited and fact-checked.
Google’s track record with generative AI has not been without challenges. Tools like Bard, a chatbot developed by Google, have faced criticism for presenting incorrect factual assertions and not directing users to more reliable sources, such as news publishers.
Information for this story was found via The New York Times, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
