Ars Technica’s AI Policy: How We Use (and Don’t Use) Generative AI in Journalism

Ars Technica’s Commitment to Transparent AI Use in Journalism

Earlier this year, Ars Technica pledged to publish a public explanation of how it employs generative AI in its journalism. Translating the internal policy into a clear, reader-facing document required careful attention to detail and precision—processes that took longer than anticipated. However, the team prioritized accuracy over speed to ensure the final policy met the publication’s high standards. The document is now available and can be accessed below, as well as in the footer of most pages on the site.

Core Principles Guiding Ars Technica’s AI Policy

The foundation of Ars Technica’s AI policy rests on two key convictions:

• Human insight cannot be replaced by AI: The publication believes that human creativity, critical thinking, and professional judgment are irreplaceable in journalism.
• AI tools can enhance professional work: When used appropriately, AI can assist journalists in producing higher-quality content and improving efficiency.

What Ars Technica Will Not Allow

From these principles, the policy explicitly prohibits the following uses of AI:

• AI cannot serve as the author, illustrator, or videographer of any content.
• AI tools must be used by professionals to support their work, not as a shortcut to replace human effort or to undermine professional standards.
• AI cannot be used as a long-term replacement for human roles in journalism.

Ars Technica’s Human-Centric Approach to AI

The policy’s core message is straightforward: Ars Technica’s reporting, analysis, and commentary are entirely human-authored. While the publication may use AI tools in its workflow, these tools are subject to strict standards and oversight. Every editorial decision is made by humans, ensuring accountability and quality.

Policy Coverage: Text, Research, Images, Audio, and Video

The AI policy applies to all aspects of Ars Technica’s content, including:

• Text: AI-generated text is not used as the primary source of articles or analysis.
• Research: AI may assist in data analysis or information gathering but must be verified by human journalists.
• Source Attribution: Any AI-assisted research must be clearly attributed, with human oversight ensuring accuracy.
• Images, Audio, and Video: AI-generated media is not used as the primary visual or audio component of content. Any AI-assisted media must be disclosed and reviewed by human editors.

Why This Policy Matters

Ars Technica’s AI policy reflects its commitment to transparency, journalistic integrity, and the irreplaceable value of human expertise. By setting clear boundaries on AI use, the publication ensures that its content remains trustworthy, original, and aligned with professional standards.

Read the Full Policy

To review Ars Technica’s complete AI policy, refer to the document linked below and in the footer of most pages on the site.

Join the Discussion

Have questions or thoughts about Ars Technica’s AI policy? Share your comments below.