Preliminary Guidance on the Use of Generative AI by Media & Government Agencies

March 1, 2024

From Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman

We have received, and are setting out below, preliminary guidance on the use of AI by Bricklyn media outlets and government agencies issued by the Federal Council. The guidance was prepared with the help of staff from the Office of the Federal Chancellor and a committee of local journalists, on which The Bricklyn Eagle participated.

The Bricklyn Eagle pledges to adhere to the following guidance

Released March 1, 2024

The Federal Council offers the following preliminary guidance for Bricklyn media outlets, as well as for government departments that release any publications or materials that make use of generative AI. The Council is working with journalists and others to further supplement this preliminary guidance as more experience with the use of AI is gained.

We have seen the benefits of generative AI in terms of enhancing the quality of both written and visual content. However, we urge media outlets and government agencies using AI to carefully double-check the accuracy of any sources identified in the use of AI, as AI tools have been known to create fake news.

*Chat BPT offices in downtown Bricklyn. Coffee and donuts always available! Photo by David Plater Blue, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

AI should not be used to create entire pieces of written content, but can be used as a research tool or for assistance in organizing content. AI can also be used as content for short sections of articles, provided the use of AI is properly attributed.

*Dall E-3 offices in South Bricklyn. Photo by David Plater Blue, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

We also call on Bricklyn media outlets and government entities to identify in articles, press releases, or broadcasts whenever content they are using or displaying is based on generative AI.

Following practice that is evolving in Outland communities, media and government offices in Bricklyn should clearly indicate when AI is being used. Content generated in whole or in part through the use of AI should note that such content is provided “with assistance from [specify the specific type of AI].”

For example, images generated by Dall E-3 AI, should be identified as provided “with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.” See also guidelines prepared by OpenAI, “How should I credit DALL·E in my work?” ✥

*Bricklyn Eagle interviewing Chat GPT. Photo by David Plater Blue, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

For the benefit of agencies and departments, as well as to better inform members of the public, The Bricklyn Eagle also recently interviewed Chat GPT about the use of generative artificial intelligence by government agencies and departments. Chat GPT appeared to be quite candid in its replies, identifying situations when use of generative AI is appropriate, and inappropriate. We encourage those using AI to read this quite useful interview.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com