Reporting on AI Ethics, Data and Digital Rights Course (Mexico and Colombia)

Deadline: 2-Feb-25

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is offering a new training opportunity to increase public awareness and understanding of some of the human rights risks introduced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in relation to Data and Digital Rights (DDR).

The course is designed to equip journalists in Mexico and Colombia with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges related to covering stories related to AI and digital rights.

This initiative builds on TRF’s mission to support free, fair and informed societies and its expertise in using the power of journalism and the law to advance media freedom, promote inclusive economies and protect human rights.

The training will deepen reporters’ understanding of the principles of AI ethics, data privacy, and the use of AI in journalism. The course will cover a variety of topics, including the ethical implications of AI, data collection and protection, bias (and impartiality) in AI systems, regulatory loopholes, AI and misinformation, and AI tools for journalists, among others. The program will also cover Reuters journalism standards and will include a mix of interactive sessions, expert guests, and practical exercises to achieve a dynamic and relevant training experience. TRF will deliver the hybrid training in Spanish, combining 1 day of online sessions, offline work, and 4 days of in-person sessions in Bogotá, Colombia.

Course Objectives

• Develop a better understanding of AI and digital rights.
• Explore ways to assess the credibility and validity of AI-based research and solutions.
• Examine the political, socioeconomic, regulatory and human rights aspects of AI.
• Improve reporting, writing and presentation skills for AI-related stories.
• Using AI-based tools in newsrooms to support reporting and increase efficiency.

Logistics

• Online Training: Week of March 31
• Course structure: The course will start with a half-day (4 hours) of online training, where you will have the opportunity to meet the trainers and other course participants. This will be followed by four full days of face-to-face training in Bogotá. During the face-to-face training, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with representatives of civil society organizations working in this field, and you will receive additional media training at the same time.
• Participation costs: Participation in this program is free of charge. If you live outside of Bogotá, travel expenses (e.g. flight) and accommodation will be covered by TRF. All participants will receive a modest stipend during the in-person training.

Benefit

• At the end of the course, participants will submit story ideas and have the opportunity to participate in a two-month mentoring program where they will receive support to develop a story related to AI and/or data ethics and digital rights. They will receive 8 hours of one-on-one mentoring and a story grant of $400.

Course Results

• After the training, participants will be able to:
  • Better understand AI and its impact on human rights, as well as existing gaps in public policies;
  • Understand the terminology related to the topic, stripping away jargon where necessary to explain and articulate the real-life impact of technology;
  • Enhance critical and strategic thinking around a complex and rapidly evolving issue, anticipating likely outcomes;
  • Understanding and debunking misinformation related to the topic;
  • Leveraging AI tools in journalism and research;
  • Improve the quality of news that articulates the impact of technology on society in their local geographies;
  • Leverage the multi-stakeholder approach facilitated by the programme to promote collaboration, information sharing and coordination.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organizations in Mexico or Colombia.
• Applicants must have a minimum of two years of professional experience and explain in their application why they will benefit from participating in this course and how they plan to use what they have learned in their professional work.
• Once selected, applicants will be asked to submit a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the program. TRF will only request this letter once candidates have been selected for the course.
• Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8MB/second. Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the online training; participation from a mobile or smartphone will not be possible.
• Applicants must upload the following documents as part of the application process:
  • Two relevant work samples (maximum file size: 5 MB). Radio and TV journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a short summary and/or links to online versions. If possible, participants are encouraged to provide data on the dissemination and reach of their publications.
  • A biography of no more than 200 words describing your career.
  • A statement of no more than 200 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you intend to use what you have learned in your professional work and any factors that impact your work as a journalist and which could be considered relevant to the application.

For more information, visit Thomson Reuters Foundation.