On the other hand, it also highlights that while AI can facilitate journalistic work, it can simultaneously exacerbate existing weaknesses in addressing truth, responsibility, and manipulation.
Recent cases in Germany exemplify the significant challenges journalism faces from AI.
For instance, the “Jüdische Allgemeine” deleted two opinion pieces by former “Tagesspiegel” publisher and editor-in-chief Stephan-Andreas Casdorff after they were suspected of being generated using AI.
Editor-in-Chief Philipp Peyman Engel subsequently announced stricter rules for the use of AI. In particular, editorials and commentaries will be more closely scrutinised to determine whether they were written by humans or generated using AI.
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung also removed a guest article by Thuringian Minister-President Mario Voigt from its website after doubts arose regarding its authorship and the use of AI.
According to research by Die Zeit, several guest articles published under the name of Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger were also problematic.
After it became clear that these texts were not written by the stated authors or their teams, publications such as Handelsblatt and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung removed the articles from their websites.
However, it would be misleading to view these cases as a purely German problem. AI-generated comments, guest articles, and journalistic content have long been a global phenomenon.
Without clear countermeasures, distinguishing between authentic and AI-generated content could become increasingly difficult.
Therefore, press associations and media organisations in Germany and other countries are increasingly addressing this issue. At the heart of the debate are three fundamental questions: transparency, editorial responsibility, and reader trust.
AI and the rationality of journalism
The use of AI is now part of everyday journalistic practice – from research and image and video editing to text production.
However, it is crucial that this use remains bound to clear ethical standards. Without transparency, editorial oversight, and professional expertise, AI risks exacerbating existing problems such as disinformation, manipulation, and loss of trust.
Therefore, AI-generated or AI-supported content must be carefully reviewed before publication and, where necessary, clearly identified to the public.
The German Press Council also emphasises that it is not only the extent of AI use that is decisive, but also adherence to fundamental journalistic principles such as diligence, truthfulness, responsibility, and transparency.
Ultimately, the responsibility always remains with humans.
AI can make mistakes, fabricate information, or produce superficial content. Journalists must therefore give precise instructions, verify results, and imbue the text with their own interpretation, style, and perspective.
Protecting user data also remains crucial. If AI is deliberately used for manipulation or disinformation, the ethical debate ends—legal responsibility begins.
This article was first published on TRT DEUTSCH
