Artificial intelligence and generative technology

Artificial intelligence is a tool, not a journalist.

The Jersey Vindicator may use AI and other automated technologies to assist with newsroom tasks, including:

• Transcription.
• Coding.
• Data analysis.
• Language editing.
• Translation.
• Brainstorming.
• Administrative tasks.
• Research support.

AI-assisted translations may be used to improve accessibility, but human editors review translations before publication whenever practical.

Human journalists remain responsible for every story we publish. Every published story is reported, reviewed, edited, fact-checked, and approved by a human editor.

We do not rely on artificial intelligence to determine what is true. Journalists independently verify all factual claims, regardless of how information is gathered or produced.

We do not use AI to fabricate or generate:

• Quotations.
• Interviews.
• Sources.
• Documents.
• Evidence.
• Photographs presented as authentic.
• Audio presented as authentic.
• Video presented as authentic.

We do not publish AI-generated reporting without substantial human reporting, verification, and editorial oversight.

Artificial intelligence may assist our work, but it never replaces editorial judgment or accountability. We remain fully responsible for everything we publish.

Visual journalism

Visual journalism should inform readers, not mislead them.

Photographs, videos, illustrations, graphics, maps, and data visualizations should accurately represent reality and help readers better understand the news.

Routine editing, such as cropping, exposure correction, color balancing, or other minor technical adjustments, is acceptable when it does not alter the factual content or meaning of an image.

We do not manipulate photographs or videos in ways that add, remove, rearrange, or materially alter people, objects, scenes, or events.

Illustrations, composite images, photo illustrations, and reenactments are clearly labeled so readers understand they are not documentary photographs.

Captions should be accurate, complete, and provide sufficient context for readers to understand what they are seeing.

Whenever possible, photographs should respect the dignity and privacy of the people depicted while accurately documenting matters of public interest.

Before publishing graphic or disturbing images, editors consider the news value, public interest, potential harm, and whether less graphic alternatives adequately tell the story.

User-submitted photos and video

We welcome photographs, videos, documents, and other materials submitted by readers because they can strengthen our reporting and help us document events that might otherwise go uncovered.

All user-submitted material is subject to the same verification standards that apply to every other source of information.

Whenever practical, we verify the authenticity, date, location, and context of user-submitted material before publication. We clearly identify when visual material was provided by someone outside our newsroom.

We do not knowingly publish manipulated or deceptive images or videos without clearly identifying them as such and explaining their significance.

Deepfakes and manipulated media

Digitally altered, AI-generated, or manipulated media can play an important role in reporting on misinformation, fraud, public policy, or emerging technology.

When we publish manipulated media for news purposes, we clearly explain what has been altered, why it is newsworthy, and how we verified its authenticity or identified it as manipulated.

We do not publish deceptive synthetic media in ways that could mislead readers.

Social media

Social media is an extension of our journalism.

The same standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism, independence, transparency, and civility apply whether we publish on our website, distribute a newsletter, appear on a podcast, or post on social media.

We use social media to:

• Share our journalism.
• Find sources.
• Engage with readers.
• Explain our reporting.
• Correct misinformation.
• Participate in conversations that advance public understanding.

Newsroom employees should avoid posting, sharing, endorsing, or commenting in ways that could reasonably undermine public confidence in their fairness, independence, or professionalism.

Staff members should not express partisan political views, endorse political candidates, or engage in online conduct that conflicts with The Jersey Vindicator’s Ethics & Editorial Standards or Conflicts of Interest Policy.

When errors are made on social media, we correct them promptly and transparently rather than quietly deleting inaccurate information whenever practical.

We encourage respectful discussion and welcome disagreement conducted in good faith. We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments containing harassment, threats, hate speech, spam, doxxing, or other abusive behavior, and to report unlawful conduct when appropriate.

Live coverage

Breaking news and live coverage often involve rapidly developing information.

During live reporting, we strive to verify information before publishing it. As new facts emerge, we update our reporting as quickly as possible and clearly acknowledge significant corrections or developments.

Being first is never more important than being accurate.

Transparency

We believe readers deserve to understand how our journalism is produced. When technology, editing decisions, or visual techniques require additional explanation, we will explain them clearly within the story or accompanying materials.