Photo/Illutration The Asahi Shimbun Head Office in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The Asahi Shimbun will use artificial intelligence in its news reporting and for other services but only as an auxiliary tool while respecting related laws and human rights.

According to the company’s guidelines on AI use released on Sept. 29, AI can be useful for streamlining tasks in gathering information, developing and offering related services and products, and creating new values.

But people are the ones who are ultimately responsible, and they will make the final decisions on such operations.

Therefore, AI will only be an auxiliary tool to support people at the company.

Asahi Shimbun employees will protect human rights when using AI, comply with related laws, and properly address the risks associated with the technology, according to the guidelines.

Although AI may be used in news gathering, direct interviews and on-site visits by staff members will remain the fundamental principles of reporting.

The company pledged to proceed properly with AI while gaining an understanding from its readers and customers.

An outline of the guidelines regarding AI use at The Asahi Shimbun follows:

1. We will use AI for support purposes, and we are responsible for making final decisions on its use and its consequences.

2. We will protect human rights in the use, development and provisions of AI.

3. We will comply with related laws when using AI and establish guidelines for internal use. We will also comply with internal regulations, such as The Asahi Shimbun’s mission statement, code of conduct, reporter code of ethics, communication policy, and personal information protection policy.

4. We recognize the risks in using AI and will strive to use, develop and provide it properly, as well as establish a system to address these risks and to improve it continuously. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we will respond promptly and appropriately within our risk management framework.

5. We will strive to ensure transparency by appropriately explaining the processes of AI use, development and provisions to the extent necessary and possible.

6. We will foster human resources who are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for media companies in the AI era.

7. Although direct interviews with related parties and on-site reporting remain fundamental in news gathering, we will also consider and implement AI-assisted reporting.

When using AI, we will verify the factual accuracy of its output and ensure compliance with the principles outlined in items 1 through 6, as well as The Asahi Shimbun’s reporter code of ethics.

AI possesses significant influence and should be subject to scrutiny by news organizations. It also presents ethical, legal and social challenges. We will closely monitor these issues and fulfill our responsible role through reporting aimed at addressing them.

8. We will revise our approach and guidelines as necessary in response to advances in AI technology and changes in social conditions.

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