Artificial Intelligence policy

This policy explains when and how Brunswick Voice uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), in our journalism and newsroom operations. It aims to uphold transparency, editorial integrity, and audience trust, while ensuring responsible implementation.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to algorithms capable of creating new content—such as text, audio, images, or video—based on data they have been trained on. This differs from traditional AI, which typically classifies or predicts data but does not generate new material. At Brunswick Voice, we will not knowingly use GenAI; in the rare instances we may use it, we will fully disclose its use. In all circumstances, GenAI would be used as a tool—not a substitute—for human judgement.

1. Principles

All content published by Brunswick Voice remains the responsibility of our journalists and editors. Any AI-generated output used in our reporting is reviewed, edited, or approved by a human. We do not publish AI-generated content without human oversight, ever.

A human will always have the final say on Brunswick Voice’s content to ensure it meets the standards of our Editorial Policy and our Privacy Policy. 

2. Why and how we use AI

We use AI tools to support—but not replace—editorial workflows. As a newsroom with limited resources, our use of AI helps us focus on the business of reporting the news happening in our community. Common uses include:

•  Summarising large datasets (e.g. council documents, financial reports)
•  Transcribing interviews and meetings
•  Assisting with spelling, grammar, and tone
•  Creating transcripts and alt-text for accessibility
•  Identifying patterns in data for investigative work
•  Organise and display data such as dates, times and locations for community events.

If GenAI has played a major role in producing a story, visual, or other content, we will state this clearly in the published material.

3. Transparency

We are committed to transparency around the use of AI in our published content. Where AI is used in content creation or visual journalism, we will:

•  Label content that has been significantly generated or enhanced by AI
•  Explain how AI was used
•  Distinguish between editorially created and AI-assisted materials.

Example of disclosure:
“This image was generated using AI to illustrate a concept that could not be photographed. It has been reviewed by our editors.”

4. What we don’t do

We do not use AI to:

•  Fabricate photos, videos or audio depicting real events or people unless explicitly stated and justified
•  Alter recordings to mislead or misrepresent facts
•  Input private or sensitive user information into public AI tools
•  Rely on AI to make editorial decisions or determine newsworthiness

5. Protecting data and intellectual property

We do not input confidential information into AI tools without appropriate safeguards. Our use of AI aligns with our privacy policy and our obligations under copyright and defamation law.

Contributors and third-party content creators working with Brunswick Voice are expected to adhere to the same transparency and editorial standards regarding AI. Brunswick Voice will ensure this commitment is being met, to the best of our ability.

6. AI in products and services

If AI is used in our audience-facing tools, such as content recommendations, personalisation, or chatbots, we ensure:

•  Editorial staff oversee outputs
•  Users can opt out or bypass automated suggestions

7. Visual journalism and AI

Visual content is particularly sensitive. If we use AI in images or video:

•  It will be clearly labelled
•  It will be used to support, not distort, the journalistic purpose
•  It would never replace photographic evidence without editorial disclosure
•  It will be reviewed for ethical and factual integrity

8. Review and updates

AI is evolving rapidly. We commit to reviewing this policy regularly to ensure it reflects current tools, standards, and best practices. Updates will be made publicly available.

Questions or concerns?

We welcome feedback from our audience. Please contact us if you have questions about our use of AI or spot content that you believe doesn’t meet these standards.

Last updated: August 20, 2025