Transparency in AI usage within fact-checking platforms in Spain and its ethical challenges

Cuartielles Saura, Roger; Mauri, Marcel, 1977-; Rodríguez Martínez, Ruth, 1976-

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15581/003.37.4.257-271

Transparency in AI usage within fact-checking platforms in Spain and its ethical challenges

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Cuartielles R, Mauri-Ríos M, Rodríguez-Martínez R. Transparency in AI usage within fact-checking platforms in Spain and its ethical challenges. Communication & Society. 2024;37(4):257-71. DOI: 10.15581/003.37.4.257-271

Abstract

Transparency –encompassing methodological, financial, and source-related aspects, as well as the tools employed– is central to the operations of professional fact-checking platforms. However, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence tools in fact-checking introduces new ethical challenges. This research investigates the extent to which these platforms believe they should disclose their use of AI and assesses the current practices on their websites regarding this technology. The study employs a qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews with professionals from accredited Spanish verification platforms and content analysis of these organizations’ websites. The findings indicate that transparency in AI usage is widely regarded as an ethical imperative. Nevertheless, the application of this standard often becomes ambiguous when addressing specific practices and cases. Many professionals question the necessity of explicitly disclosing AI usage when the technology primarily supports the verification and is overseen by human reviewers. Additionally, a lack of understanding of AI’s functionality sometimes hinders the ability to identify whether the tools employed incorporate AI. The content analysis also reveals that explicit mentions of AI use on the websites are rare and that platforms lack open-access manuals or protocols that outline and regulate their AI practices.