Axel Springer Partners with OpenAI to Tackle AI 'Hallucinations' in Journalism

Collaboration Aims to Improve Accuracy and Transparency of AI Chatbot

Axel Springer, one of Europe's largest media companies, has joined forces with OpenAI to integrate journalism into ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The collaboration, announced on Dec. 13, aims to enhance the user experience of ChatGPT and address the issue of AI 'hallucinations' - instances where AI systems generate false or misleading information.

Addressing the Challenge of AI 'Hallucinations'

AI chatbots have long struggled with factual accuracy, occasionally generating false information, also known as 'hallucinations'. OpenAI previously announced initiatives in June to reduce these instances. The partnership with Axel Springer aims to improve the training of OpenAI's language models by incorporating content from Axel Springer media brands. This will ensure up-to-date and authoritative information across various topics and increase transparency through attributing and linking full articles.

Combining AI and Journalism

The combination of AI and journalism has brought about concerns regarding transparency and misinformation. A global Ipsos study revealed that a majority of Americans and Canadians believe that AI will worsen the spread of misinformation. However, the partnership between OpenAI and Axel Springer seeks to leverage the power of AI to combat this issue. ChatGPT users will have access to summaries generated from Axel Springer's media brands, including Politico, Business Insider, Bild, and Die Welt.

Exploring AI's Potential in Combatting Misinformation

While concerns about misinformation persist, efforts to combat it using AI are also underway. Tools like AI Fact Checker and Microsoft's integration of GPT-4 into its Edge browser are examples of how AI can play a role in verifying information. However, it is important to note that the Associated Press has issued guidelines restricting the use of generative AI in news reporting, emphasizing the need for human oversight.

Continued Efforts to Improve AI Accuracy

In October 2023, a team of scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China and Tencent’s YouTu Lab developed a tool to combat AI 'hallucinations'. This highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance the accuracy and reliability of AI models.