• by Ray Schultz , July 27, 2023

The Guardian has updated its editorial code for the first time since 2011, taking account of new digital phenomena such as AI. 

“At more than 30 pages, the latest code is the most comprehensive to date, expanding on existing sections, such as right of reply, and elsewhere introducing new guidance, notable on artificial intelligence—a burgeoning subject on which almost 400 articles have by the Guardian and Observer," Elizabeth Ribbans writes in The Guardian. 

“Material created using generative AI raises significant issues around bias, ownership, plagiarism and intellectual property rights,” the new code notes. “Most importantly for journalism, it is not reliable or consistent, and tends to introduce errors and inaccuracies in unpredictable ways.” 

Thus, the code argues that “AI systems should not be used to generate text or images intended to be directly inserted into published journalism outside of exceptional and specific circumstances. Any exceptional use must be explicitly approved by the relevant senior duty editor and must be clearly signaled to readers on the article itself.” 

Ribbans notes that the new version “introduces advice on reporting of major incidents, handling of distressing content and treatment of interviewees, among others; it also expands for example, on use of language, which was previously focused on profanity and now addresses sensitive language more generally."

Specifically, the new code states that journalists “must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or to any physical or mental illness.”

It continues, “Details of an individual’s race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any physical or mental illness must be avoided unless genuinely relevant to the story."

Ribbans explains, “For ease, and reflecting internal parlance, I am referring to the whole document here as ‘the code’, but in fact it comes in three parts: The GNM editorial code of practice; a wider set of supplementary guidelines; and internal guidance covering legal matters and professional conduct.” 

The Guardian first published its editorial code 21 years ago, and issued revisions in 2007 and 2011. This is the fourth iteration.