Rome: Leading international media organisations have launched a global campaign calling on artificial intelligence companies to be more transparent about how they use news content and sources. The initiative, titled Facts In, Facts Out, urges AI developers to take responsibility for the accuracy and credibility of information produced by their systems.
The campaign is promoted by the European Broadcasting Union, the World Association of News Publishers, also known as WAN IFRA, and the International Federation of Periodical Publishers. Vatican Radio is a founding member of the European Broadcasting Union. Media groups say it is time for structured dialogue with technology companies about how journalistic content is sourced, used, and presented by AI tools.
The call follows the News Integrity in AI Assistants report produced by the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union. Published in June 2025, the study found that AI tools across different platforms, languages, and regions frequently alter, remove context from, or misuse news from trusted media outlets. According to the report, this practice risks misleading users who increasingly turn to AI systems for information.
Liz Corbin, Director of News at the European Broadcasting Union, said that while AI has enormous potential, it cannot yet be considered a reliable source of news. She stressed that transparency around sources is not being treated as a priority by the AI industry, even though public trust in journalism is at stake. WAN IFRA chief executive Vincent Peyregne echoed this concern, noting that facts taken from trusted news providers should remain factual when delivered by AI systems, which is often not the case today.
Media leaders warn that distorted or inaccurate AI generated news can seriously damage public trust in journalism, a cornerstone of democratic societies. They also point out that reliance on AI for news is expected to grow, particularly among younger audiences, making the issue more urgent.
As part of the wider News Integrity in the Age of AI initiative, the campaign outlines five key principles for AI companies. These include using news content only with permission, recognising the value of professional journalism, clearly identifying original sources, reflecting diversity in the global news landscape, and maintaining open dialogue with media organisations.
Campaign organisers say the aim is cooperation rather than confrontation. They argue that technology companies and media outlets must work together to ensure that information shared through AI remains truthful, credible, and transparent. According to Corbin, the public deserves access to trustworthy journalism regardless of the technology they use to consume it.