Overview
In early 2023, CNET used an internally designed AI tool to write finance stories. After Futurism exposed errors, CNET reviewed the 77 AI‑generated articles and found that 41 required corrections. Some articles contained plagiarised phrasing and factual mistakes about compound interest and banking terms. Engadget reported that CNET’s editor‑in‑chief acknowledged the failures and paused AI‑generated stories while establishing guardrails. The outlet said it would resume using AI only when confident the tool and editorial processes could prevent human and AI errors.
What Went Wrong
The AI tool lacked domain expertise and quality control, producing incorrect financial advice and copying phrases from other publications. Editors failed to apply plagiarism checks and factual verification before publication.
How It Was Fixed
CNET issued corrections on affected stories, temporarily halted its AI program, and implemented stricter editorial oversight and plagiarism detection for any future AI‑generated content. The company said it would only resume AI usage after improving training and verification.