Rappler Sets Clear Rules for Generative AI Use in Newsroom

Rappler has released its updated policy on generative artificial intelligence (AI), outlining how the newsroom responsibly uses AI tools while maintaining human oversight, editorial integrity, and compliance with Philippine data privacy laws.

Published on May 19, the policy emphasizes that AI will support — not replace — journalists and editors in content production. Rappler said all AI-assisted material must undergo strict human review before publication.

Under the policy, the media organization identified four core principles guiding its AI use: human oversight, accountability, transparency, and verification. Rappler stressed that AI-generated information cannot serve as a primary source and that all facts must still be verified through trusted human-verified references.

The newsroom currently uses several AI-powered tools to assist operations, including the “Rai” chatbot, which answers questions based on Rappler’s archives, and “NewsPulse,” an AI tool designed to help editors monitor trending topics and improve SEO performance.

AI is also used for automated summaries, content tagging, and processing large datasets for visualizations and preliminary profiling, though journalists are required to verify all outputs.

Rappler also outlined strict prohibitions to safeguard editorial standards and source protection. The company bans fully autonomous publication of content, the use of personal AI accounts for company data, uploading confidential materials into third-party AI platforms without consent, and the manipulation of news photos using AI.

The creation of deepfakes and non-consensual synthetic media is likewise prohibited.

Some AI-related tasks remain allowed under close supervision. These include AI-assisted translations, summaries, conceptual illustrations for opinion and feature stories, and enterprise-level AI note-taking tools during non-sensitive discussions.

According to Rappler, its Data Governance Committee oversees all AI implementation and conducts regular audits on tool usage. The policy also applies to contributors and partners, including photographers and freelance stringers, who are required to disclose any AI assistance used in their work.

The company said the policy will be reviewed annually to adapt to changing technologies and legal developments surrounding artificial intelligence.