AI Usage Policy

1. How We Use AI

Sparkline News uses artificial intelligence in limited ways to support our journalistic operations. Current uses include:

• Transcription: AI tools convert audio and video interviews to text. Human editors review all transcripts for accuracy.
• Data Analysis: AI helps identify patterns and trends in large datasets. Human journalists interpret and contextualize the findings.
• Research Assistance: AI helps summarize lengthy documents and identify relevant background sources. Human journalists independently verify all information.
• SEO Optimization: AI assists in identifying target keywords and suggesting editorial headlines. Human editors make all final content decisions.
• Grammar and Spelling: AI-powered tools assist with baseline proofreading. Human editors review and approve all structural edits.

2. What We Do NOT Use AI For

To protect our editorial integrity, we do NOT use AI for the following:

• Writing full articles: All of our analytical content and news reports are written entirely by human journalists.
• Fact-checking: Facts are verified exclusively by human fact-checkers using primary, trusted sources.
• Editorial decisions: Determining what stories to cover, how to frame current events, and which sources to trust remain entirely human decisions.
• Generating quotes: We never use generative AI to fabricate or modify quotes from real individuals.
• Creating fake images: We do not use AI to generate misleading images of real events, public figures, or news scenarios.
• Impersonation: We do not use synthetic media or AI avatars to impersonate real individuals or staff members.

3. Disclosure of AI Use

We believe in absolute transparency with our readers. We disclose AI involvement whenever:

• AI has significantly contributed to the baseline data compilation or reporting of a story.
• AI-generated data visualizations, algorithmic summaries, or conceptual graphics are published.
• A reader might otherwise assume automated elements were crafted entirely by standard human field research.

When applicable, clear disclosure notes are prominently appended to the end of the relevant article.

4. AI and Source Verification

AI tools are never trusted to verify editorial sources. All sources are thoroughly vetted by human journalists utilizing:

• Direct, documented contact with real sources.
• Comprehensive independent review of legal and primary documents.
• Cross-referencing claims across multiple independent verification channels.
• Direct expert consultation.

5. AI and Fact-Checking

AI is not an automated truth filter. All facts undergo rigid verification by human fact-checkers. AI models may assist solely with:

• Identifying underlying database claims that require verification.
• Sourcing raw background materials or contrasting historical data.
• Flagging internal inconsistencies in technical documents.

Final factual verification and publishing approvals are always executed exclusively by a human expert.

6. AI-Generated Images

We do not publish AI-generated photorealistic imagery depicting actual current events or real people. We may occasionally employ AI-generated elements for:

• Conceptual background graphics explicitly labeled as "AI-generated illustration."
• Abstract structural art.
• Complex, automated data visualizations.

All such illustrative elements are clearly marked to maintain reader trust and prevent misinterpretation.

7. AI in Video and Audio

We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against manipulative synthetic media. We do not utilize AI to:

• Create synthetic deepfake videos or manipulate recordings of real individuals.
• Clone or simulate the voices of real people without express, documented legal consent.
• Synthesize or alter historical event footage.

8. Training and Editorial Oversight

All members of our editorial staff receive ongoing training regarding our technical and ethical AI protocols. Continuous oversight is rigorously provided by:

• The Editor-in-Chief
• The Managing Editor
• Our Internal Editorial Standards Committee

9. Reader Questions About AI

If you have any questions, corrections, or concerns regarding our use of AI in any published article, please contact us immediately:

Email: info@sparklinenews.com

10. Policy Updates

As artificial intelligence technology and media syndication standards evolve, this policy will be reviewed and updated quarterly to remain fully aligned with modern global journalism standards.

11. Commitment to Transparency

Our readers have an absolute right to know exactly how information is gathered, analyzed, and published. This policy forms a core pillar of our broader structural commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional media integrity.