Our Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Our readers deserve to know how the Palm Springs Tribune uses artificial intelligence in its journalism.
Our Commitment to Readers
The Palm Springs Tribune is committed to accurate, fair, independent and transparent local journalism. We use artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to support our newsroom, but technology does not replace editorial judgment, responsible sourcing or accountability. We remain responsible for everything we publish.
How We Use AI
AI tools may help us identify potential stories, research public information, organize notes, summarize documents, prepare initial drafts, improve grammar and clarity, suggest headlines, and create excerpts or search descriptions. Some articles may be substantially drafted with AI assistance. Every story must be reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.
Verification and Sources
AI-generated text is not, by itself, a verified source. We check material factual claims against reliable sources, such as official records, public documents, direct statements and credible reporting. We verify names, dates, figures, quotations and relevant context. We do not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, invented sources or unverified AI claims. When appropriate, we link to original sources so readers can examine the evidence.
Human Editorial Oversight
Our editor makes final decisions about story selection, framing, accuracy, fairness, headlines and publication. AI does not independently approve or publish our journalism. A human byline indicates editorial responsibility for the article, not necessarily that every sentence was drafted without AI assistance.
Political Coverage and Fairness
Our reporting on elections, public officials and civic issues must distinguish established facts from allegations and opinions. We seek meaningful context and fair opportunities for response when warranted. We do not use AI to invent candidate positions, endorsements, votes, quotations or election results.
Photographs, Illustrations and Video
We do not present AI-generated or materially AI-altered images as authentic documentary photographs of real events. Any AI-created illustration used editorially must be clearly identified as an illustration. Routine cropping, resizing and other adjustments must not misrepresent the underlying scene. We respect copyright and licensing requirements.
Privacy and Confidentiality
We take care not to enter confidential source identities, private personal information or sensitive unpublished material into AI systems without appropriate safeguards and authorization.
Corrections and Accountability
If we make a factual error, including one involving AI-assisted content, we will review and correct it promptly. Readers can report concerns to our editorial team. The use of AI never reduces our responsibility for a published mistake.
Policy Review
AI technology and newsroom practices continue to change. The Palm Springs Tribune will periodically review this policy and update it when needed.
Standards That Informed This Policy
Our approach draws on publicly available journalism standards from Reuters, Reuters and AI, and The Associated Press. This is the Palm Springs Tribune’s own editorial policy; neither organization endorses or oversees our publication.