This policy has been adapted from the BBC's 'Guidance: The use of Artificial Intelligence' and is in line with the Impress Standards Code and other industry guidance.
1. Introduction
1.1. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents challenges that cannot be overlooked. While AI may offer some potential benefits, The Sunrise State adopts a hardline stance against its use in both editorial and organisational capacities.
1.2. The environmental costs associated with AI technologies, including significant energy consumption and carbon emissions, further exacerbate our concerns. Therefore, the use of AI will be strictly prohibited unless a genuine and compelling need can be justified.
2. What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
2.1. Artificial intelligence refers to machine-based systems capable of performing tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as content creation, predictions, and decision-making.
2.2. Generative AI specifically refers to systems that can create text, images, speech, music, video, and code in response to user prompts.
3. Editorial issues in the use of AI
3.1. The Sunrise State will not permit the use of AI in the creation, presentation, or distribution of content unless there is a clear and justified necessity. Any proposed use must undergo rigorous scrutiny to determine its appropriateness. The potential for AI to introduce biases, inaccuracies, and ethical dilemmas necessitates a cautious approach.
3.2. Human oversight is paramount. Any deployment of AI must include active editorial oversight to ensure compliance with our commitment to accuracy, impartiality, fairness, and privacy. The team collectively must be accountable for any AI use, ensuring that it aligns with the Impress Standards Code.
4. Environmental considerations
4.1. The environmental impact of AI cannot be ignored. The energy-intensive nature of AI technologies contributes to increased carbon footprints and environmental degradation.
4.2. The Sunrise State is committed to sustainability, and will not engage in practices that exacerbate climate change. Any proposed use of AI must include a thorough assessment of its environmental implications.
5. Algorithmic bias and training data
5.1. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. The potential for algorithmic bias poses significant risks, particularly in the context of journalism, where objectivity and accuracy are paramount.
5.2. Any proposed use of AI must consider these biases and their implications for our editorial integrity.
6. Hallucinations and inaccuracies
6.1. Generative AI can produce content that may appear accurate but is, in fact, a fabrication.
6.2. The Sunrise State will not risk the dissemination of misleading information. Any proposed use of generative AI must be critically evaluated to ensure that it does not compromise our commitment to factual reporting.
7. Plagiarism and intellectual property
7.1. The potential for AI to mimic or plagiarise existing content raises serious ethical concerns. The Sunrise State will not engage in practices that undermine the rights of creators and artists.
7.2. Similarly, The Sunrise State will actively block AI crawlers and prohibit AI companies from using our content to train their models.
7.3. Licensing agreements between The Sunrise State and AI companies will only be established following consultation with the editorial team.
7.3. Any proposed use of AI must be scrutinised to ensure that it respects intellectual property rights and does not jeopardise the integrity of our content.
8. Seeking guidance
8.1. Any proposal to use AI must be referred to another member of the team for thorough evaluation. The decision to proceed with AI use will only be made if a genuine need is established, and all potential risks are adequately addressed.
9. Use Cases
9.1 Using generative AI to create content
The Sunrise State will not use generative AI to create news content, current affairs, or factual journalism under any circumstances. Any exceptions must be rigorously justified and subject to strict oversight.
9.2 Using AI to support editorial production or research
AI tools may only be considered for use in the production process if they do not directly create content for publication. Any use must be closely monitored and assessed by human oversight to ensure compliance with our editorial standards.
9.3 Using AI to distribute or curate content
The Sunrise State will not employ AI in personalisation or recommendation engines for content distribution. Our commitment to transparency and accountability necessitates that all content curation is conducted by human editors.
9.4 Use of AI by third-parties
Any content supplied to The Sunrise State by third parties must be free from AI influence. Third-parties must adhere to our strict guidelines, ensuring that their use of AI aligns with our editorial values and environmental commitments.
9.5. Administrative use
The Sunrise State is a small organisation that may occasionally utilise generative AI for substantial administrative tasks. Any such use must be thoroughly justified and closely monitored, taking into consideration the ethical implications and environmental costs.
This policy was edited by Anudeep Chirumalla (Editor).
Last updated: 06/11/2025.