Business Insider Allows Journalists to Use AI for First Drafts Without Notifying Readers

Business Insider has instructed its journalists to use AI tools to draft stories, according to a report by Status, a media industry newsletter. The outlet has become one of the first major news organizations to formally permit such extensive use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom, allowing reporters to generate first drafts with AI assistance without informing readers. The policy was shared in an internal memo from editor-in-chief Jamie Heller, which outlined new guidelines for AI use. Journalists are now authorized to use AI “like any other tool” for research, image editing, and drafting content. A dedicated FAQ within the memo confirmed that AI can be used to write initial versions of stories, but emphasized that the final product must be the journalist’s own work. While the guidelines require reporters to take full responsibility for the stories they publish under their names, the outlet does not plan to include disclaimers alerting readers when AI was used in the writing process. According to Status, disclaimers will only be applied to content that is entirely AI-generated or未经审核 (unvetted). The move reflects Business Insider’s broader embrace of AI as a core part of its operations. The company has appointed an AI newsroom lead and launched initiatives such as an AI-powered search tool. Its parent company, Axel Springer, has also entered into licensing agreements with major tech firms including OpenAI and Microsoft. The decision comes amid growing controversy over AI in journalism. Many media organizations are grappling with concerns over copyright infringement, the ethical use of training data, and the potential erosion of trust. Business Insider itself faced backlash earlier this summer when it published AI-generated articles attributed to a fictional freelancer, raising questions about transparency and accountability. Despite these challenges, the outlet continues to position AI as a strategic advantage, aiming to increase efficiency and scale content production in a competitive digital news landscape.