Ars Technica has published its newsroom AI policy, establishing strict guidelines for how artificial intelligence tools can be used in journalism. The policy mandates that any material attributed to named sources must come from direct engagement with interviews, transcripts, published statements, or documents reviewed by reporters. AI tools cannot generate, extract, or summarize content that's then attributed to individuals.

For visual content, the publication's editorial and art teams produce listing images, illustrations, and video, either in-house or through photography services and wire providers. While the creative team may use AI tools in producing certain visual material, all creative direction and editorial judgment remain human-driven. The policy explicitly prohibits publishing AI-generated images, audio, or video as authentic documentation of real events.

Accountability forms the cornerstone of Ars Technica's approach, with authors remaining fully responsible for content regardless of AI tool usage. The policy, which has governed editorial work since AI tools became available, was last updated April 22, 2026. The publication emphasizes that maintaining these standards is a shared obligation across the editorial operation, and violations result in action.