How Caoimhe and Gerard Donnelly are Using AI to Fight Disinformation and Restore Trust in Journalism
In a recent episode of AI in Journalism, I had the opportunity to speak with Caoimhe Donnelly, CEO of Legitimate.net, about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. From boosting professional credibility to combating misinformation, our discussion delved into how AI can empower journalists and newsrooms of all sizes.
From Classroom to Tech Innovation: Caoimhe Donnelly’s Journey
Caoimhe shared her unique journey from teacher to tech innovator, inspired by the challenges of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legitimate.net, the platform she now leads, was born out of a pressing need to enhance transparency in news reporting and provide journalists with tools to verify their identities and credentials online.
“Our goal was simple,” Caoimhe said. “We wanted to create a universal bio for content creators that would authenticate their work across the internet, helping audiences quickly identify credible sources and combat the spread of false information.”
Revolutionizing Journalism Through AI
One of the key innovations discussed was Legitimate.net’s universal bio tool, designed to integrate with AI platforms and social media in the future to ensure accurate information attribution. By verifying journalists’ identities, the platform aims to restore trust in the media, especially in local newsrooms and among independent reporters.
“Fake news is a massive problem globally, especially during elections,” Caoimhe noted. “By partnering with government bodies and other tech platforms, we’re working to address AI citation issues and support fact-checkers in their efforts to tackle misinformation.”
Empowering Local Newsrooms and Journalists
Legitimate.net’s commitment goes beyond big tech and global news; it’s firmly rooted in supporting local journalism. The platform offers free tools like transcription services and language modeling to help local newsrooms thrive, even on limited budgets. In partnership with universities, they provide free training on various journalism topics, including disinformation and AI.
“Our platform was built in response to what journalists told us they needed,” Caoimhe said. “We’ve tried to eliminate costs for newsrooms, allowing them to experiment with AI tools without financial barriers.”
The Ethical Implications of AI in Journalism
Throughout our conversation, the ethical challenges of using AI in journalism were a central theme. Caoimhe emphasized the need for responsible use and thoughtful consideration of AI’s limitations, particularly around transparency and accuracy in reporting. She encouraged journalists to embrace AI tools despite some hesitancy in the industry.
“AI offers tremendous potential for small newsrooms to make a significant impact,” Caoimhe said. “But it has to be used responsibly, and we must listen to newsrooms’ feedback to ensure these tools truly serve their needs.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Legitimate.net?
As our conversation wrapped up, Caoimhe shared some exciting plans for the future, including launching Legitimate.net’s platform in additional languages like Spanish, French, and German. This expansion aims to make these innovative tools accessible to journalists worldwide, further supporting the global fight against misinformation.
Caoimhe also encouraged listeners to engage with Legitimate.net on social media, share feedback, and join a growing community committed to trustworthy journalism.
Conclusion
My conversation with Caoimhe Donnelly underscored AI’s crucial role in journalism—not just as a tool for innovation but as a means to uphold the principles of transparency and truth. As we navigate the complexities of the digital media landscape, platforms like Legitimate.net offer a promising path forward, empowering journalists to maintain their integrity and credibility in a rapidly changing world.
Call to Action:
Visit Legitimate.net’s website to learn more about and explore its tools. Follow them on Twitter and provide feedback on how these tools can better support journalism.
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