Azerbaijan updates journalist ethics code to regulate AI and privacy

New rules for AI in media

Azerbaijan has officially amended its Code of Ethics for Journalists to address the growing role of artificial intelligence in the news industry. These changes were adopted during the 9th Congress of Journalists on October 16. The updates aim to ensure that media activities remain ethical while keeping pace with modern technological requirements.

A specific new principle titled “Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence” has been integrated into the code. This principle requires media organizations to develop internal policies that clearly define the boundaries and objectives of using AI. It also mandates that organizations provide professional development for their staff to help them navigate these new tools effectively.

As reported by Trend News Agency, the primary goal of these amendments is to ensure that technology serves the news cycle without compromising standards. The Press Council emphasized that these updates are intended to help journalists use modern technologies responsibly while fulfilling their duty to inform the public more effectively.

Maintaining human oversight

The new guidelines are clear about the limits of automation in the newsroom. They explicitly state that artificial intelligence systems should not replace the professional judgment of a human journalist. Editorial independence and human oversight must remain the core components of any news production process.

Because AI can produce content quickly, the code requires a rigorous verification process for everything it generates. Journalists are responsible for checking the factual accuracy and the reliability of sources used by AI before any content is released to the public. The responsibility for this content ultimately lies with the individual journalist or the media organization.

By placing the burden of responsibility on humans, the code seeks to prevent the spread of automated errors. It ensures that while AI might assist in the workflow, the final decision-making power remains in human hands. This structure is designed to protect the integrity of the news and maintain the credibility of the media.

Privacy and data protection

The amendments also introduce strict provisions regarding the protection of personal rights and data. Journalists are prohibited from using information technology to interfere with the privacy of third parties. This includes a specific ban on disclosing sensitive information such as an individual's religious affiliation, ethnic origin, or personal beliefs.

The code clarifies that the mere accuracy of information about a non-public figure does not give a journalist the right to share it without consent. Specifically, the collection and dissemination of personal data or information about family life without permission are deemed unacceptable. Journalists must exercise sensitivity when deciding if specific details are truly in the public interest.

Furthermore, the rules establish boundaries for covering public figures. While their activities are open to public scrutiny, journalists are instructed not to focus on details that are unrelated to the individual's professional activities. This balance is intended to protect the legitimate interests of citizens while still allowing for necessary public oversight.

Transparency and social media

Transparency is a major pillar of the updated ethics code, particularly regarding the use of AI products. The rules state that informing the audience when AI is used is crucial for maintaining public trust. This ensures that readers are aware of the tools being used to curate or generate the information they consume.

The code also addresses the nuances of reporting on social media content. When journalists turn information posted publicly by citizens into news stories, they are instructed to avoid using derisive or humiliating language. This is meant to prevent the media from being used as a tool for harassment or public shaming.

By combining these rules, Azerbaijan aims to create a framework where technology enhances the news cycle without eroding human rights. The Press Council noted that these changes are designed to make the media fulfill its responsibility to inform the public more effectively while paying closer attention to human rights.

Implementation and accountability

The implementation of these rules puts the onus on media organizations to create practical workflows. They must establish verification procedures and define who is accountable for the output of AI-assisted reporting. This move toward internal policy creation suggests that the government expects media outlets to self-regulate their technological adoption.

The focus on professional development suggests that the transition to AI-integrated newsrooms will require significant training. Journalists will need to learn not just how to use the tools, but how to audit them for bias, factual errors, and privacy violations. This educational component is a key part of the new ethical framework.

Ultimately, these amendments represent a proactive approach to the challenges posed by generative technology. By setting clear boundaries on privacy, accuracy, and human oversight, the country is attempting to create a stable environment for both technological innovation and traditional journalistic ethics.