Irish Time Apologizes After Publishing an Article Created by AI Unknowingly

Irish Times admitted that they were victims of AI fraud. (photo: twitter @RuadhanIT)

JAKARTA - A daily newspaper in Ireland apologized to its readers after unknowingly publishing an article created by a guest writer who used artificial intelligence (AI) to write the article.

In a statement from the Irish Times on May 14, the newspaper said it was the victim of "deliberate and coordinated fraud." The newspaper's editor, Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, recognized the need for stronger pre-publication controls.

“This incident has also highlighted one of the challenges generative AI poses to news organizations,” said Mac Cormaic, quoted by Cointelegraph.

The article, published on the morning of May 11, examines Irish women's use of fake tinted sprays from the perspective of author Adriana Acosta-Cortez. This author describes herself as a "young immigrant woman in Ireland."

Link to the now-removed fake tan article https://t.co/dsUX7iJnmp

— Adriana Acosta-Cortez (@ecuadorian_adri) May 14, 2023

According to Mac Cormaic, the author interacts with the editorial team and offers research and personal anecdotes. However, it was revealed that the articles and author photos listed were "at least partially" generated using generative AI.

The author's Twitter profile re-shared a link to the now-deleted article via internet archives. In another tweet, the writer called out the Irish Times, and said the newspaper needed a "better screening process."

While the true identity behind Acosta-Cortez remains anonymous, Twitter users commented on the post calling the scam a "solid move" and congratulating the profile for successfully "exposing" the newspaper.

One user said he would "never in good faith read the Irish Times after this."

The Irish Times isn't the only newspaper that has come under scrutiny recently for its AI-related content.

On April 14, German magazine Die Aktuelle released its "first interview!" with race car driver Michael Schumacher since a serious brain injury in 2013. However, it was soon revealed that the interview was generated by AI, and the Schumacher family immediately took legal action against the magazine.

A Wall Street Journal reporter also recently used AI to "clone" himself with the ability to fool his bank and his close relatives.