Alphabet’s company, Google, is having a trial run for a product that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to write news stories.
The firm pitched the idea to famous news organizations like The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Its newly developed tool, internally called Genesis, can take in information and generate news copy. However, there was a condition of anonymity in talking about the AI product.
According to analysts, Google aims to serve as a personal assistant for journalists. It wants to automate some tasks, freeing up time for them.
Also, the company considers it a responsible technology that can steer away the publishing sector from generative AI-related troubles.
However, some executives found the pitch from Google unsettling. For them, it seemed to take the exerted efforts into making credible and artful news stories for granted.
On the other hand, some experts appreciated CEO Sundar Pichai’s long-term commitment to the journalism sector.
Based on a statement from Jeff Jarvis, a journalism professor, Google’s new tool had potential pros and cons. He added that if the new tool can deliver accurate and reliable information, journalists are recommended to use it.
Nonetheless, if journalists and news organizations misuse it on topics that need nuance, it could harm organizations that use it.
Meta and Google Blocks News Access in Canada
Meta and Google discussed removing news from their platforms and blocking Canadians’ access in response to the country’s new legislation.
Last month, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-18, called The Online News Act. It aims to regulate digital channels acting as a middle ground in its news media to promote fairness.
The new proposal called for tech giants to pay when publishing Canadian news on their platforms. It is estimated to bring in $329.00 million to newsrooms in Canada yearly.
Moreover, it significantly impacts digitized news organizations that lean on Google searches to gather readers.
According to analysts, taking away a considerable way of getting news would negatively affect Canadians. They fear that they will not be able to access news anymore.
