Generative AI Usage Guidelines for Media: Hankook Ilbo's Ethical Framework

Hankook Ilbo is committed to exploring and utilizing generative AI as a tool to improve information gathering, processing, communication, and overall productivity. Recognizing the inherent limitations of AI technology, such as the potential for trust erosion, biased reporting, and infringements on personal information and copyrights, the organization is prepared to address these challenges proactively. The ultimate responsibility for the quality, originality, and perspective of news content remains unequivocally with Hankook Ilbo. The organization explicitly clarifies that generative AI will be employed as an extension of human journalists, not as a substitute. These guidelines are established to provide a framework for the responsible use of generative AI, enabling Hankook Ilbo to achieve digital innovation while upholding its journalistic principles.

Given the technical limitations and potential data biases inherent in generative AI, its outputs cannot guarantee accuracy or fairness without human intervention. Therefore, no news generated solely by AI, without the fact-checking, review, and modification by news production staff, shall be published. Journalists and producers are responsible for verifying the factual accuracy of any AI-generated content, including text, graphics, and videos, which should be treated as unverified information. When reporting on acquired materials, rigorous source verification and cross-referencing with major media outlets are essential to ensure that the information has not been manipulated by generative AI. Additionally, to mitigate copyright infringement risks associated with AI-generated content, efforts must be made to conduct reverse image searches and plagiarism checks. Any confirmed copyright violations will necessitate immediate actions such as deletion or issuing a correction.

When generative AI is employed for news production tasks such as text and image generation, headline creation, summarization, translation, or for personalized user services, this usage must be transparently disclosed. The data input into AI for news production should be disclosed at a level comparable to the disclosure of sources and informants. However, the use of generative AI for auxiliary functions like idea extraction, information retrieval, article classification, related article searches, and spell-checking may not require disclosure. If AI's contribution to the final news content is minimal, such as work that would not warrant a journalist's byline, disclosure may also be waived. Transparency can be achieved through various methods, including explicitly stating AI's contribution in articles, using watermarks or subtitles on AI-generated images and videos, and providing information on Hankook Ilbo's website or other distribution channels. In cases where AI-generated content is included in news, the desk chief must be informed, and they will make the final determination on whether disclosure is required. If the decision is unclear, consultation with the News Standards Office is recommended.

Care must be taken to avoid inputting sensitive personal information or confidential data that should not be publicly disclosed into generative AI systems. When providing personalized services to news consumers using generative AI, the protection of users' personal information must be prioritized, and users should be offered the choice to opt-in or out of such services.

The rapid evolution of generative AI technology may lead to significant changes in the work environment and increasingly complex legal and ethical issues, potentially necessitating the implementation of more stringent guidelines. Hankook Ilbo recognizes the need for continuous efforts in policy formulation, system enhancement, and intensified education and training to adapt to these changes. These guidelines are subordinate to Hankook Ilbo's editorial code, and any revisions will follow the regulations stipulated therein.