Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Redwood Bark’s Artificial Intelligence Policy
Writing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used for brainstorming in a similar manner to historically used search engines and other digital, non-generative technology. If needed, AI-assisted brainstorming is limited to the initial stages of background finding (as a thought partner) ahead of later, exclusively human-driven research. This allows for the brainstorming of select keywords, effectively as a thesaurus, and the brainstorming of general ideas and concepts. AI can not be used for any type of generative purposes clearly present in published stories (photo captions, story leads, interview questions, other article writing): The Bark will never copy and paste material from AI (unless it relates to a story covering AI).
Editing and Fact-Checking
In non-stylistic editing (Copy, AP Style, fact-checking) AI can be used to provide suggested edits exclusively with the following prompt: “Check for AP Style.” All edits will be provided via a shared, Bark specific account under the supervision of and at the discretion of Bark Copy Editors to inform actual, human editing decisions. Elsewhere in the editing process, namely content and stylistic edits, AI is not permitted. AI cannot be used as the first source or sole source for fact-checking in the copy editing process; it must be used in addition to other credible sources found through non-generative technologies.
Creating Art Inspiration and testing concepts
AI can be used for brainstorming, conceptualizing and communicating rough ideas. AI can not be used in the final generation of any published art. No AI-generated art can be published unless it is supporting a story specifically about AI. Any rare, published AI-created content is to be clearly labeled, accredited and approved by the EICs.
Photography
Basic automatic (AI) editing functions (Lightroom, Photoshop auto-adjust, iPhone magic wand, etc.) are permitted to improve visuals. Otherwise, AI can not be used to distort the images in context, meaning, purpose and setting. Generative AI can not be used to generate images. No AI generated photos can be published unless they are supporting a story about AI. Any rare, published AI-created content is to be clearly labeled, accredited and approved by the EICs.
Citation Guidelines
Work, whether text or visuals, created by AI is to be cited as any other source under AP Style guidelines; this will only occur when the AI work is permitted to be part of a story covering a topic relevant to AI. Otherwise, work will never be created by AI; thus, AI citations for generated, published work will not be needed. Typically, The Bark considers a writer’s need to cite AI an indication of improper use. All other AI policies pertaining to visuals, editing, writing and other publication procedures are to be available in their most up-to-date form on the Bark’s website.
Ongoing Commitments
The Bark is committed to its continued cautious and adaptive use of AI. Bark staff are ultimately responsible for their stories and any published work they produce, edit or contribute to. As a publication, The Bark commits to questioning and fact-checking AI outputs, protecting personal data by excluding it from AI interactions and continuing to study appropriate AI prompting to avoid hallucinations and skewed data.
We take these standards seriously and realize that one person’s misuse of AI affects the reputation of all of us on staff. Despite co-creating and committing to this criteria, if a Nonfiction or Adv. Journalism student is found to have used AI to copy and paste content for an assignment or story, they may be asked to step away from their leadership role or to step away from the program altogether.
The Bark’s AI Policy is created using a holistic approach that considers the latest AI standards set by the Associated Press and U.S. Department of Education AI 2023 guidelines, staff input and technological developments. The Bark’s AI Policy is subject to change (this version was published on October 19, 2023).