Responsible AI at Byline
AI can help journalists work faster. It must never weaken accuracy, fairness or accountability. These are the rules Byline is built on.
1. Facts come from the journalist
Every template tells the AI model to use only the facts, names, numbers and quotes it is given. When something essential is missing, the draft marks it, for example [CHECK: name of the minister], instead of guessing.
2. Quotes are never invented
Quotes are used exactly as given. The Quote Cleaner removes filler words only, and warns when a quote cannot be tidied without changing its meaning.
3. A human decides what is published
Byline produces drafts. On newsroom plans, drafts go to an editor for approval before they can be published to your website.
4. Checking is part of the workflow
The Fact Checker searches current sources and gives verdicts with links, as leads to verify, not as final rulings.
5. Your work is yours
Your notes and drafts are not used to train AI models, and Byline staff do not read them. They are sent to the AI provider you choose only to produce your draft.
6. Be open with your audience
We encourage newsrooms to tell their audience how they use AI. Many publish an AI policy; this page can be a starting point for yours.