The Independent launches AI-supported news service, Bulletin

The Independent, a UK-based media group, is launching a new news service supported by Google AI tools. This service will provide summaries of articles checked by journalists. It aims to help readers who want quick access to news, especially in a fast-paced world. The new platform, named Bulletin, will first appear on The Independent's website and is set to launch later this month. The service is sponsored by WeAre8, a social media platform backed by former football player Rio Ferdinand. Christian Broughton, the chief executive of The Independent, emphasized that this service offers "trusted, verified journalism." He believes it will not replace traditional journalism but will introduce new ways to deliver news. Summaries generated by the AI will be carefully reviewed by the journalists who wrote the longer articles. This move comes as news organizations worldwide navigate the challenges posed by AI technologies. Concerns have risen about AI scraping and reproducing news without permission, leading to potential errors. Broughton stated that the Bulletin service would ensure no unauthorized scraping occurs, prioritizing accuracy and responsible use of AI. While traditional publishers increasingly collaborate with AI companies, some conflicts have arisen over the use of news content. Errors have occurred with AI-generated content, prompting caution among media groups. Recent discussions in the UK government focus on how to grant AI companies easier access to newspaper material, which raises further concerns for traditional media. Bulletin will initially serve existing readers, but plans are in place for a dedicated website and app. The service will be free, but users will need to register for updates in the future, with hopes for personalized news feeds. The Independent's editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, stated that Bulletin represents a blend of AI technology and human oversight, delivering essential news quickly and efficiently.