Can AI judge journalism? A Thiel-backed startup says yes, even if it risks chilling whistleblowers

Aron D’Souza, known for his role in the Gawker lawsuit, has launched Objection, a startup aiming to use AI to fact-check journalism. For a $2,000 fee, users can challenge news stories, triggering an AI-driven investigation into their claims. The platform, backed by Peter Thiel and others, assigns an 'Honor Index' score to reporters based on verified evidence, with anonymous sources ranked low. Critics, including media lawyers and academics, warn that this system could discourage whistleblowers and make it harder for journalists to hold powerful institutions accountable, especially when relying on confidential sources. They argue that the pay-to-play model favors wealthy individuals and corporations, potentially enabling them to intimidate journalists. D'Souza maintains that Objection aims to increase transparency and trust, comparing it to crowd-sourced fact-checking. However, experts express skepticism about AI's ability to accurately judge journalistic integrity and the potential for misuse, fearing it could become a tool for the powerful to silence unfavorable reporting.

(Source：TechCrunch)