Microsoft’s decision to increasingly rely on the use of automation and artificial intelligence over human editors to curate its homepage appears to be behind the site’s recent amplification of false and bizarre stories, says an article published on cnn website.
Replacing Human Editors With AI
Microsoft, through platforms like MSN.com and Microsoft Start, shifted from human editors to automation, leading to the publication of false and bizarre stories. Formerly employing over 800 human editors, the company transitioned to AI-driven curation, resulting in the amplification of misleading narratives.
Guardian’s Accusation And Microsoft’s Response
The Guardian accused Microsoft of damaging its reputation by misusing AI to republish articles in inappropriate ways. Microsoft faced criticism for presenting an insensitive AI-generated poll alongside a sensitive article on a tragic incident. In response, Microsoft disabled all polls and vowed to address such issues.
Elevating False Stories
The transition to AI-led curation allowed obscure and low-quality articles, initially overlooked, to gain visibility, potentially reaching millions of readers. Former editors noted that these false stories would not have been prominent without AI intervention.
Impact On Editorial Standards And Audience Experience
Microsoft’s move to a “personalized feed” tailored by algorithms received criticism due to the appearance of sensational, hyper-partisan, and misleading articles.
Former editors observed a departure from previous editorial standards, impacting the responsible curation of news. Individuals like Ferris Kawar expressed disappointment and switched away from Microsoft’s platforms due to concerns about the content presented.
Microsoft’s Response And Lack of Transparency
While Microsoft committed to addressing issues with low-quality articles, they provided limited specifics about their AI-driven journalism processes. This lack of transparency drew criticism from media outlets like The Guardian, questioning the responsible use of AI in news curation.
The crux of the concern remains the responsibility of a high-traffic news platform in disseminating accurate and credible information, with a focus on the societal impact when false or misleading content gains prominence through automation.
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Source: cnn
