Think Tank Proposes 'Nutrition Labels' for AI-Generated News Content
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a prominent left-of-centre think tank, has issued a significant report calling for urgent intervention in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated news. The organisation argues that as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly dominant sources for current affairs information, robust measures are essential to safeguard journalistic integrity and ensure fair compensation.
Standardised Labelling and Licensing Framework Proposed
The IPPR's central recommendations focus on two critical areas: transparency and financial fairness. Firstly, the think tank advocates for the introduction of standardised "nutrition" labels for all AI-generated news content. These labels would clearly indicate what specific information sources were utilised to create the AI responses, including references to peer-reviewed academic studies and articles from established professional news organisations.
Secondly, the report urges the establishment of a formal licensing regime within the United Kingdom. This system would empower publishers to negotiate directly with technology companies regarding the use of their journalistic content in AI news products. The IPPR suggests this work could commence with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) utilising its enhanced enforcement powers, particularly concerning Google's practices.
"If AI companies are going to profit from journalism and shape what the public sees, they must be required to pay fairly for the news they use and operate under clear rules that protect plurality, trust and the long-term future of independent journalism," emphasised Roa Powell, a senior research fellow at IPPR and co-author of the report.Research Reveals Source Disparities and Revenue Threats
The IPPR conducted extensive testing, inputting 100 news-related queries into four major AI platforms: ChatGPT, Google AI overviews, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. Analysis of over 2,500 links generated by these tools revealed significant disparities in source citation.
Notably, ChatGPT and Gemini did not cite journalism from the BBC, as the broadcaster has blocked the web crawlers these bots employ. Conversely, Google's overviews and Perplexity utilised BBC content despite the corporation's objections. The research also found that publications like The Telegraph, GB News, The Sun, and the Daily Mail were cited in fewer than 4% of ChatGPT's answers.
In stark contrast, The Guardian – which holds a licensing agreement with ChatGPT's parent company, OpenAI – appeared as a source in nearly 60% of responses. The Financial Times, another OpenAI licensee, also featured prominently. This pattern raises concerns about how financial relationships might shape the visibility and prominence of certain news sources within AI-generated answers, potentially marginalising smaller and local publishers who are less likely to secure such deals.
The proliferation of AI summaries, particularly Google's overviews positioned at the top of search results, is having a tangible impact on publisher revenues. Many users now consume the AI-generated synopsis without clicking through to the original journalism, directly reducing vital web traffic and associated advertising income for news organisations.
Beyond Licensing: Calls for Public Funding and Ecosystem Support
While the IPPR views licensing agreements as a necessary step to replace some lost advertising revenue, the think tank cautions that such deals alone are insufficient to maintain a healthy and diverse news ecosystem. There is a risk that news organisations could become overly dependent on tech giants for income, a revenue stream that could vanish if copyright protections are weakened.
Therefore, the report advocates for additional public funding to support the development of new business models, especially for investigative journalism and local news providers whose sustainability is acutely threatened by the rise of AI news. The IPPR also recommends government support for the BBC to "innovate with AI" responsibly.
"With the right policies in place, the government can shape this market so that UK news organisations transition their business models for the AI age and AI companies improve the reliability of their products by drawing on trusted sources," concluded the IPPR's comprehensive analysis. The think tank insists that copyright law should remain robust to foster the growth of a fair licensing market, ensuring a future where technology serves rather than undermines public interest journalism.
