Journalists concerned about AI plans of publisher Mediahuis
Several Belgian journalist associations are concerned about the new framework agreement of the European media group Mediahuis, which includes a provision allowing the use of journalistic work to train artificial intelligence (AI). The associations say this decision was taken without consulting journalists and their representatives.
In a letter to the publisher dated 28 November, the Flemish Association of Journalists (VVJ) expresses its dissatisfaction with some provisions of the agreement "which are detrimental to the rights of freelancers".
It says the agreement does not specify which AI applications are implicated and how the ethical use of content is guaranteed. "Freelancers may therefore unintentionally contribute to technologies that threaten their own jobs," the statement reads.
"Freelancers may unintentionally contribute to technologies that threaten their own jobs"
Furthermore, freelancers do not receive any specific compensation, despite the fact that the use of content for AI purposes generates economic value. "Fair remuneration and annual indexation are essential to recognise their real contribution," the VVJ said.
Finally, it denounces the limited freedom of choice, as freelancers do not have the option to refuse to have their work used as training data for AI.
Concerns across Europe
Several European journalist associations have joined the VVJ, including its French-speaking sister organisation in Belgium, NVJ in the Netherlands, dju in ver.di in Germany and the European Federation of Journalists. They call on Mediahuis and other publishers to provide clear guidelines, adequate compensation and an opt-out option.
"Only then will the rights of freelancers be safeguarded and the sector be future-proofed in a rapidly changing technological landscape," they say.
Mediahuis is a media company based in Belgium. It owns newsbrands in Belgium, such as De Standaard, Het Nieuwsblad, Gazet van Antwerpen, Het Belang van Limburg and Euractiv, as well as in the Netherlands, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg and Germany.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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