BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 26. Amendments
concerning the use of AI and the protection of personal rights have
been made to the Code of Ethics for Journalists in Azerbaijan.


This was stated in a commentary by the Azerbaijan Press Council
regarding the changes adopted at the 9th Congress of
Journalists.


Meanwhile, it is noted that the amendments, adopted at the
congress on October 16, are dictated by modern requirements and are
aimed at ensuring the ethical use of AI in media activities, as
well as protecting privacy.


A new principle titled “Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence”
has been added to the Code. Under this principle, media
organizations are encouraged to adopt internal policies defining
the objectives, boundaries, verification procedures, and editorial
responsibility regarding the use of artificial intelligence, as
well as to provide professional development for staff in this
area.


The commentary emphasizes that artificial intelligence systems
should not replace a journalist’s professional judgment, editorial
independence, or human oversight. Content generated using
artificial intelligence must be verified for content, factual
accuracy, and sources before publication. Responsibility for such
content lies with the journalist or the media organization where
they work.


In addition, when using AI, requirements have been established
regarding the protection of copyright, personal data, and the
confidentiality of sources, as well as respect for human dignity
and the prevention of discrimination. It is noted that, when using
AI products, informing the audience of this fact is crucial in
terms of transparency and public trust.







The Rules also include new provisions regarding the protection
of personal rights. According to the amendments, except in cases
provided for by law, journalists must not use information
technology to interfere with the privacy of third parties,
including by disclosing information about their beliefs, religious
affiliation, or ethnic origin. The collection, processing,
transfer, use, and protection of personal data must be carried out
in accordance with the conditions established by law.


The commentary emphasizes that the accuracy of information about
individuals who are not of public interest does not automatically
justify the dissemination of such information without their
consent. The collection, storage, and dissemination of personal
data and information about the family life of such individuals
without their consent are deemed unacceptable.


At the same time, when journalists turn information publicly
posted by citizens on social media into news stories, they must not
use derisive or humiliating language. Journalists must determine
whether specific information is in the public interest and exercise
sensitivity regarding the dissemination of personal data.


Certain boundaries have also been established regarding the
coverage of public figures. The fact that their activities are open
to public scrutiny does not give journalists the right to focus on
details unrelated to these individuals’ professional activities.
Media representatives must take into account both the public
interest and the legitimate interests of citizens.


The Press Council’s commentary emphasized that the amendments to
the Code of Ethics are intended to ensure that journalists use
modern technologies responsibly, pay closer attention to human
rights, and that the media fulfill their responsibility to inform
the public more effectively.