AI News Monitor

As of now, it remains unclear whether The Times will modify or permanently disable the “Insights” feature in response to the backlash.

The Los Angeles Times has removed its newly launched artificial intelligence feature, “Insights,” from an opinion article after it controversially presented a counterpoint that appeared to downplay the ideological threat of the Ku Klux Klan.

The AI-powered tool, designed to provide readers with various perspectives on opinion pieces, had been touted as an innovative way to enhance public discourse. However, shortly after its launch, it sparked criticism when it generated a response to columnist Gustavo Arellano’s Feb. 25 article, “100 years ago, Anaheim recalled its KKK city council. Why don’t we remember?”

On Tuesday, the “Insights” feature for the article displayed a counterpoint suggesting that the 1920s Klan was a product of “white Protestant culture responding to societal changes rather than an explicitly hate-driven movement.” The framing minimized the ideological threat of the KKK, drawing immediate backlash.

New York Times technology reporter Ryan Mac captured and shared a screenshot of the controversial AI-generated response on his BlueSky account before The Times swiftly removed the feature from the article. By Wednesday, the newspaper had not publicly addressed the incident.

The tool’s rollout was announced by Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong on Monday, describing it as a way to present “varied viewpoints” to support journalistic integrity. “I believe providing more varied viewpoints supports our journalistic mission and will help readers navigate the issues facing this nation,” he stated.

However, this latest controversy raises concerns about the limits of AI in editorial decision-making. The incident underscores the challenges of using artificial intelligence to moderate and present sensitive historical and political topics without inadvertently distorting or misrepresenting them.

As of now, it remains unclear whether The Times will modify or permanently disable the “Insights” feature in response to the backlash.