The Ethical Framework for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Online Journalism: An Analytical Study of the Websites of the Emirati Al Khaleej and Egyptian Al Ahram Newspapers, from January 1st, 2022, to March 31st, 2022
摘要
This study aimed to examine the ethical framework governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in electronic journalism by conducting a content analysis of the websites of two prominent newspapers: Al-Khaleej (UAE) and Al-Ahram (Egypt), during the period from January 1st to March 31st, 2022. The research problem centered on identifying the extent to which these media institutions adhered to ethical standards when employing AI technologies in news production and dissemination, especially amid the rapid digital transformations impacting journalistic practices. The researcher adopted the descriptive-analytical method and employed a qualitative content analysis tool. A coding guide was developed to identify indicators of AI usage and assess their alignment with ethical principles such as transparency, accuracy, privacy protection, and avoidance of algorithmic bias. The findings revealed that both websites utilized AI technologies to varying degrees, particularly in content recommendation systems and automated editing tools. However, there was limited disclosure regarding AI-generated content, and certain ethical standards were inconsistently applied. Notably, instances of algorithmic bias and a lack of clear editorial responsibility for AI-driven content were observed. The study concluded with several recommendations, most notably the need to develop specialized professional codes of ethics that address AI usage, enhance transparency in AI implementation, and provide targeted training for journalists on responsible AI practices. These measures are essential to ensure a balance between technological innovation and journalistic integrity in the digital news environment.