Editorial Guidelines for the use of Digital Automation Technologies (DATs)

Date: 16 March 2026 Version: 1.5

This document defines principles and responsibilities related to the use of Digital Automation Technologies (DATs) – also known as Artificial Intelligence (AI) – at Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT). These guidelines apply to all staff members and external collaborators.

Definition of “Digital Automation Technologies”: DATs refer to any algorithm or system of algorithms processed by OBCT that influence or contribute to our editorial processes. OBCT does not use the term “Artificial Intelligence” (AI), as we do not consider these systems to represent genuine human-like intelligence.

Ethical Principles

  • Transparency: content resulting from the use of DATs will be clearly identified.
  • Human responsibility: The final responsibility for published content remains with a human journalist or editor.
  • Reliability and accuracy: DATs never fully replace editorial review and oversight.
  • Impartiality and inclusiveness: The use of DATs must respect pluralism, diversity, and the rights of minorities.
  • Protection of the public: The newsroom commits to preventing DATs from generating or amplifying misleading content.
  • Responsible innovation: The introduction of DATs will be accompanied by staff training and periodic reviews of tools and editorial practices.

Workflows with integrated DATs

OBCT utilizes DATs in a limited number of carefully monitored production stages. We have implemented a “traffic light system”.
Green DATs require limited human supervision

Yellow DATs require careful human supervision
Red No DATs implemented due to excessive risks
For more information on our workflow categorisation, consult the full DATs editorial guidelines.

DATs selection criteria – risks and mitigation
DATs used in our editorial work are carefully selected to eliminate or mitigate the risks associated with security, accuracy, sustainability, and transparency. For more information on how we handle the process, consult the full DATs editorial guidelines.

Contacts
Our editorial staff constantly discuss insights and ideas on how to improve our work with DATs. For any query, reach out to us at redazione@balcanicaucaso.org.