LA Times Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Bias Labels and Counterpoints

The newspaper's use of AI tools to label political leanings and generate alternative viewpoints has led to criticism over accuracy, oversight, and journalistic integrity.

The Los Angeles Times introduced AI-generated features, including political bias labels and alternative viewpoints, for opinion and commentary articles under a new 'Voices' section.
The AI-generated 'Insights,' powered by the startup Perplexity, have faced scrutiny for inaccuracies and questionable sourcing, including downplaying the severity of the Ku Klux Klan in one instance.
Union representatives and journalists at the LA Times criticized the lack of editorial oversight for the AI-generated content, arguing it undermines trust in the publication.
The 'bias meter,' developed by the startup Particle, categorizes articles as Left, Center Left, Center, Center Right, or Right, but its methodology and reliability have been questioned.
The move comes as billionaire owner Patrick Soon-Shiong faces accusations of editorial interference, further fueling concerns about the direction of the newspaper under his leadership.