Our newsroom AI policy

Earlier this year, we made a commitment to provide our readers with a comprehensive overview of how Ars Technica utilizes generative AI technology. The task of converting our internal guidelines into a reader-friendly format took longer than anticipated, but we prioritized accuracy and clarity over speed. We are pleased to announce that this document is now available for your review, and you can find it linked in the footer of most pages on our site. Our approach is founded on two core beliefs: first, that AI cannot substitute for human insight, creativity, and ingenuity; and second, that when employed effectively, these tools can enhance the work of professionals. From these premises, it was always evident what our limitations would be. AI will not serve as the author, illustrator, or videographer for our content. Instead, these technologies are intended to assist professionals in their roles rather than circumvent them or replace them. In summary, Ars Technica is a platform created by humans for humans. All our reporting, analysis, and commentary is authored by real individuals. When we integrate AI tools into our workflows, we ensure that they are used with strict standards and oversight, with humans making every editorial decision. Our policy outlines how we manage text, research, source attribution, images, audio, and video. While these standards are not new—they have been in place since we began using AI technologies—this is the first time we are making them transparent to our audience. You deserve to understand the guidelines we adhere to, rather than simply trusting that they exist. We will also keep this policy updated to reflect any significant changes in our practices, with all alterations clearly noted.