The Rise of AI-Driven News: Pioneering Innovation or Ethical Dilemma?

Edited by: TJVNews.com

ACT NEWS, a burgeoning news-content channel on TikTok, has made headlines with its claim of unveiling “the world’s first fully AI automated news edition presented by digital avatar clones,” according to a July 30^th report in The Jerusalem Post.  While this innovative approach to news broadcasting has the potential to revolutionize journalism, it also raises significant moral and ethical concerns, the JPost report added.

The introduction of AI-powered digital clones of renowned journalists marks a significant leap in news presentation. According to the JPost report, these digital avatars, including clones of Israeli reporters Miri Michaeli and Amit Segal, not only deliver live broadcasts but also work on stories in the field simultaneously. This concept aims to engage a diverse global audience, particularly on social media, where traditional news outlets may not have a strong presence, the JPost report added.

Miri Michaeli, co-founder and chief news anchor at ACT NEWS, explained, “Like every start-up, our project was born out of a personal need. My dream has always been to be able to report from two places simultaneously, provide in-depth analysis, and film a report simultaneously. Today, we offer this possibility to journalists all over the world,” as was reported by the JPost.

Despite its groundbreaking potential, this development raises ethical considerations. A primary concern is the potential blurring of lines between human reporters and their AI-driven counterparts, as was observed in the JPost report. Viewers may struggle to discern whether the news is delivered by the actual journalist or their AI avatar, raising questions about transparency and authenticity.

To address these concerns, ACT NEWS has taken measures to maintain credibility. Miri Michaeli and Amit Segal have committed to pre-approving all quotes delivered by their digital clones, ensuring accuracy in the news presented, the Jpost report said. However, some may still worry that this level of control could leave room for bias or manipulation in news presentation.

The complete automation of news content and script formulation through artificial intelligence also invites ethical questions.  As was reported by the JPost, while AI can process vast amounts of data efficiently, there is the risk of unintentional biases or inaccuracies in the way news stories are generated. Human journalists have long been responsible for fact-checking, contextualizing information, and providing nuanced perspectives in their reporting. According to the JPost report, relying solely on AI could lead to a homogenized, one-dimensional representation of news that lacks the depth and critical analysis provided by human reporters.

Expanding this technology raises concerns about the job security of human journalists. As was noted in the JPost report, if AI-driven clones become more prevalent in newsrooms, there may be worries about a decline in opportunities for journalists, limiting their ability to contribute to society through investigative reporting and in-depth coverage.

Despite these moral and ethical concerns, ACT NEWS has seen rapid success on TikTok, garnering millions of views and substantial investments. The JPost report said that the company’s co-founders, Moshe Klughaft and Miri Michaeli, envision this AI-driven approach as a way to refocus journalists on core journalistic work and uncover stories often overlooked by mainstream media.

The JPost report also said that Moshe Klughaft stated, “Presenting news editions through digital avatars and writing the news with artificial intelligence will lead journalists to focus on the core of journalistic work: investigations, exposés, exclusive stories, and personal interviews, and focus on subjects that are not covered in the mainstream media. Additionally, it will dramatically reduce costs for media companies worldwide and allow them to create better content.”

As ACT NEWS prepares for its second fundraising round and plans to sign additional talent as digital avatars, the media industry will closely monitor the impact of this new AI-driven model, according to the JPost report. The true test lies in how this cutting-edge approach can strike a balance between leveraging technology for innovation and preserving the integrity and authenticity of journalism in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The world watches with anticipation as the future of news broadcasting takes shape, with both innovation and ethical responsibility in mind.