Last updated: April 11, 2026
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term for large language models used to create something new, such as text, images, graphics, and interactive media.
As a member of Discourse Community Publishing (DCP), a network of independent, digital news outlets, we recognize that new AI-based features are being incorporated into the tools we use every day.
While we embrace new technologies when they make our news production more sustainable, as a rule, we do not use generative AI to write content because it has the potential to insert errors and harm our credibility.
DCP is a group of reader-funded community news outlets. We know our readership values our rigorously reported and fact-checked news stories produced by journalists who are connected and accountable to people in their communities.
Our readers support our journalism because it is rooted in relationships and on-the-ground information gathering — not just social media, press releases and automated newsletters. This direct relationship with our audience is the bedrock of our journalism.
At the same time, tech is how we do our work. So to better serve our audiences, we are committed to experimentation and innovation where they can enhance and expedite our news gathering and internal processes without compromising accuracy and trust.
Some of the ways we are carefully exploring AI tools is for general research, indexing large documents, populating events listings and calendars, transcribing interviews, preliminary fact-checking, or improving readability.
This policy emphasizes audience service as a guiding value, as recommended by The Poynter Institute, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening democracy through ethical journalism. To continue to improve the relevance, ethical practice and value of journalism, no use of AI occurs without the final review of a journalist on our team.
In order to assess how these specific tools are used moving forward, we are guided by the following core values. If you have any questions about the use of AI in any specific article or in our newsroom generally please contact members@thediscourse.ca
- Transparency
Our internal policy requires reporters to get permission from leadership before using AI for a specific story. Where the use is approved and becomes integral to research and reporting, the journalists must be able to explain exactly how AI was used and why it was necessary in an editor’s note specific to that story. To document how it was used and to protect privacy, we use company-owned AI accounts and an internal discussion channel.
- Accuracy and human oversight
All information generated by AI requires human verification. Everything we publish will live up to our standards of verification.
- Audience service
Our use of AI is guided by our company values. We have promised to deliver our readers and supporters with information that informs, connects and uplifts.
DCP commits to exceeding what can be delivered by AI alone by interviewing community members, providing on-the-ground, first-hand research and crafting original writing that conveys each reporter’s unique voice.
- Privacy and security
Our relationship with our audience is rooted in trust and respect. To that end, as we utilize AI, we will protect our audience’s data in accordance with our newsroom’s privacy policies.
We will never enter sensitive or identifying information about our audience members, sources or our own staff into any generative AI tools. All AI used to expedite or enhance work at DCP must use DCP-owned tools and accounts with secured privacy settings after approval with an editor.
As technology advances and opportunities to customize content for users arise, we will be explicit about how reader and source data is collected — in accordance with our organization’s privacy policy — and how it was used to personalize your experience.
- Exploration
With the four previous principles as our foundation, DCP will continue to embrace exploration and experimentation within the parameters of the specified guidelines.
We strive to support newsroom training — internal or external — so every staff member is knowledgeable in generative AI tools.
