AI & Automation Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
Upfront News recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technologies are becoming increasingly useful in journalism, research, content production and newsroom operations.
We may use AI-assisted tools and automation where they help our newsroom work more efficiently, while maintaining human editorial oversight and responsibility.
This policy explains how Upfront News approaches the use of AI and automated technologies in its editorial and operational work.
Human Editorial Responsibility
AI tools do not replace the responsibility of Upfront News journalists, editors or contributors.
All published editorial content remains subject to human editorial judgment. The relevant journalist or editor is responsible for ensuring that published material meets Upfront News standards for accuracy, relevance, attribution and fairness.
AI-generated or AI-assisted material is not considered automatically accurate or publishable.
Accuracy and Verification
AI systems can produce inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information.
Information generated or summarized by an AI system must therefore be reviewed and, where appropriate, independently verified before it is presented as factual information.
AI tools may assist with research or organization, but they are not treated as authoritative sources.
Important claims should be verified against reliable primary or secondary sources, including official documents, government statements, direct interviews, established news organizations and other credible sources.
Use of AI in Editorial Work
- Upfront News may use AI-assisted tools for activities such as:
- Research and information organization
- Transcription and translation
- Grammar, spelling and readability improvements
- Summarization of source material
- Headline and content brainstorming
- Data organization and analysis
- Administrative and newsroom workflows
- Image, graphic or other visual production where appropriate
The extent of AI assistance may vary depending on the nature of the assignment.
Original Reporting
AI tools are not a substitute for original journalism.
When a story requires reporting, interviews, source verification, field reporting or direct observation, those activities should be carried out by appropriately responsible members of the newsroom.
Upfront News does not treat an AI-generated response as original reporting.
AI-Generated Content
Where AI is used to assist in producing editorial material, the resulting content remains subject to Upfront News editorial standards.
We do not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, invented sources, fictional events or unverified factual claims generated by AI.
AI-generated text must not be used to create the appearance that a person was interviewed, a journalist witnessed an event or a source provided information when that did not actually occur.
AI-Generated Images and Visual Material
Upfront News may use AI-assisted or AI-generated images, illustrations or graphics when appropriate, particularly when an original photograph is unavailable or when a conceptual illustration is more suitable.
Such visual material should not be presented as an authentic photograph of a real event when it is not.
Where the distinction could reasonably matter to readers, AI-generated or illustrative imagery may be identified through an appropriate caption or disclosure.
When reporting on real-world events, authentic photographs and verified visual material are preferred where reasonably available.
Transparency
Upfront News aims to be transparent about significant uses of AI.
Routine uses of tools for spelling, grammar, formatting, transcription or similar production assistance do not necessarily require a public disclosure.
Where AI materially contributes to the creation of an article, image, video, graphic or other published material, Upfront News may identify that use when it is relevant to the reader’s understanding of the content.
Sources and Citations
AI tools are not considered primary sources. AI-generated answers, summaries or citations must not be accepted without verification.
When information is obtained from a source with the assistance of an AI tool, the underlying source should be cited or attributed where appropriate rather than attributing the information to the AI system itself.
Privacy and Confidential Information
Upfront News takes reasonable care when using AI tools with information that may contain personal, confidential or sensitive material.
Journalists and staff should avoid submitting confidential source information, unpublished sensitive material, passwords, private credentials or unnecessary personal information to external AI systems.
Any use of AI involving sensitive or confidential information should follow applicable privacy, security and organizational requirements.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
Upfront News seeks to respect copyright, intellectual property and other applicable rights when using AI-assisted tools.
AI tools should not be used knowingly to reproduce copyrighted material improperly or to misrepresent another person’s work as original Upfront News reporting.
Where third-party material is used, appropriate attribution and permissions should be considered in accordance with applicable requirements.
Automated Publishing
Automation may be used for selected administrative or technical functions, such as scheduling, formatting, distribution, alerts, feeds and other repetitive newsroom tasks.
Automated systems should not be relied upon to publish material that has not received the level of human review appropriate to its subject and potential impact.
High-risk or sensitive topics require additional human oversight.
Editorial Independence
AI providers, software companies and technology platforms do not determine Upfront News editorial decisions.
The use of an AI system does not change our commitment to independent journalism or our responsibility to readers.
Commercial relationships involving AI or technology providers do not give those providers editorial control over Upfront News content.
Corrections
If AI-assisted content contains a significant factual or editorial error, Upfront News will address the error in accordance with its Corrections Policy.
The use of AI does not reduce or transfer Upfront News’s responsibility for published material.
Continuous Review
AI technology is developing rapidly. Upfront News may update this policy as newsroom practices, technology, legal requirements and industry standards evolve.
The latest version of this policy will be published on this page.
Our Principle
AI is a tool, not a replacement for journalism.
Upfront News uses technology where it can improve the efficiency and quality of our work, while keeping human judgment, verification, accountability and editorial integrity at the center of our publishing process.
Contact Us
Questions or concerns regarding the use of AI and automation at Upfront News can be directed to the Upfront News editorial team through our Contact Us page.
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