The New York Times Tightens AI Policy for Freelancers After String of Errors
The New York Times sent a "periodic reminder" to freelance contributors Tuesday about its generative AI policy, weeks after the publication caught a staff reporter using an AI tool to fabricate a quote.
The email states that all writing and visuals submitted to the Times must be original human work. Freelancers cannot submit material that contains AI-generated or AI-modified text and images, according to the notice reviewed by the publication.
The policy explicitly forbids using AI tools to "create, draft, guide, clean up, edit, improve, or rephrase" any part of a story. Brainstorming at a high level is permitted, but using chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Perplexity for any writing task violates the rules. Image generators including DALL-E, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly are also off-limits.
Recent AI Incidents at the Times
The reminder follows multiple incidents where AI-generated content made it into print. In March, a freelancer contributing to the Times' "Modern Love" column admitted to using chatbots to conceptualize and edit a personal essay. That same month, the publication fired another freelancer after discovering an AI-generated book review contained plagiarized passages.
Last week, the Times issued a substantial correction to an article by its Canada Bureau chief. The piece contained a quote attributed to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre that was actually an AI-generated summary presented as a direct quotation. The reporter should have verified the accuracy of the AI tool's output, the correction stated.
When asked whether the reminder was a standard communication or a response to recent controversies, the Times said it "regularly provides updated guidance to freelancers" and wanted to clarify its policies. The paper noted that in-house journalists operate under separate guidelines with approved generative AI tools.
What This Means for Freelance Writers
The policy draws a clear line: AI is a research and ideation tool only. It cannot touch the actual writing, editing, or visual creation process.
For freelancers submitting work to major publications, the message is direct. Human authorship is non-negotiable. Using AI to accelerate any part of the writing or editing workflow carries the risk of rejection or contract termination.
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