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Origen Story Ethics Guidelines

Ethical Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI

Last updated: July 2025

Core Principles

Origen Story LLC believes that artificial intelligence should amplify human creativity and storytelling while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity, transparency, and ethical responsibility. These guidelines ensure our use of generative AI serves our mission to create stories that "teach, illuminate, and inspire" while preserving audience trust and protecting documentary subjects.

Specific Use Guidelines

Research and Fact-Checking

Origen Story uses large language models (LLMs) to research topics, gather sources, and generate internal analytical reports. All factual information obtained through AI tools is independently verified through primary sources before being shared publicly or with clients. AI-assisted research serves as a starting point, not a final authority.

Writing and Content Development

We use generative AI tools for content organization, planning, and idea iteration. Initial drafts and all significant revisions are created by human team members. AI tools may assist with spelling, grammar, and structural analysis, but the creative voice and editorial decisions remain human-driven.

Transparent Disclosure of AI Content

Origen Story will clearly identify to audiences any use of generative AI in the creation of video, images, audio, or other media content. This disclosure includes:

  • The specific tools and models used
  • Clear differentiation or labeling between AI-generated and traditional documentary material
  • Creation of behind the scenes material to show techniques and workflows used.

Digital Recreations

We will take the same intentionality and care for accuracy and sensitivity in AI generated recreations as we would with traditional recreations.

Recreations of Individuals

When creating AI-generated representations of individuals (including "deepfake" technology):

Consent Requirements:

  • Living individuals: Explicit written consent required
  • Deceased individuals: Consent from legal estate required
  • Deceased with no available estate: Decision based on potential harm vs. public good analysis, with reasoning disclosed to audience

Disclosure Requirements:

  • Clear identification through on-screen text, visual cues, or written description
  • Explanation of techniques used
  • Context for why the recreation was necessary

Use Cases:

  • Identity protection for documentary subjects
  • Historical recreations when original footage unavailable
  • Other extraordinary circumstances serving the public interest

Recreation of Public Figures

In rare cases where recreating scenes involving notable public figures serves the historical record:

  • Stylization required: Recreations must be clearly identifiable as such (e.g., illustrated/animated style rather than photorealistic)
  • Historical accuracy: Avoid styles that could be confused with actual historical documentation
  • Full disclosure: Clear explanation of recreation methods and necessity

Post-Production Enhancement

AI-based finishing tools integrated into standard post-production software are used for:

  • Color correction and grading
  • Audio EQ adjustment and noise reduction
  • Standard technical refinements

These applications enhance technical quality without altering content substance and fall under our "Common Applications" category below.

Bias Detection and Mitigation

We recognize that many LLMs demonstrate bias in their outputs. We commit to:

  • Regular assessment of AI-generated content for potential bias
  • Diverse review processes when possible
  • Intentional action to identify and mitigate discriminatory outputs

Interactive Development

Origen Story uses AI-assisted coding for:

  • Non-linear documentary presentations
  • Internal tool development
  • Interactive storytelling platforms

Development applications may require specific disclosure if they directly influence editorial content. Technical implementation assistance that doesn't influence editorial content falls under standard workflow practices.

Privacy and Data Protection

For sensitive material involving sources or vulnerable persons:

  • Avoid using identifiable information with cloud-based services and third-party platforms
  • Implement additional security measures for sensitive content
  • Consider data leakage risks in tool selection

Accessibility Enhancement

AI tools may be used to reduce barriers to content access through:

  • Automated transcription services
  • Multi-language translation
  • Audio description assistance
  • Captioning and subtitle generation

Values-Based Commitments

Social Impact

Origen Story leverages AI capabilities to amplify our ability to address pressing social issues through thoughtful topic selection and enhanced storytelling techniques that serve the public good.

Environmental Responsibility

Recognizing the significant energy and water resources required by AI systems, Origen Story commits to:

  • Regular workflow reviews to minimize computational demands
  • Carbon impact assessment and offsetting when possible
  • Prioritizing efficiency in AI tool selection

Common Applications of Generative AI

The following AI applications are part of our standard workflow and may not require project-specific disclosure unless the application is extraordinary:

  • Interview transcription and initial processing
  • Research and analysis of large datasets and document collections
  • Multi-language translation for international projects
  • Standard post-production tools for color correction, audio cleanup, and technical refinement
  • Copy editing for spelling, grammar, and basic structural improvements
  • Pre-visualization and storyboarding when not significantly influencing final visual output
  • Accessibility tools for transcription, captioning, and audio description

Implementation and Review

These guidelines are:

  • Updated regularly as technology and industry standards evolve
  • Applied consistently across all Origen Story projects
  • Reviewed quarterly to ensure alignment with emerging ethical standards
  • Open to stakeholder feedback from clients, subjects, and audience members

Questions and feedback

For questions about these guidelines or to report concerns about AI usage in our content, contact Origen Story LLC at ethics@origenstory.com

These guidelines reflect our commitment to using technology in service of human stories while maintaining the trust and integrity essential to documentary storytelling.