Meta’s AI chatbot will soon start quoting Reuters reporting while responding to news-related queries. Both companies hit this Axios describe as a “multi-year agreement” that will allow Meta to use Reuters content for its chatbot responses. This deal is the first of its kind for Meta, at a time when media outlets are agreeing to provide their content to AI companies.

“We are constantly working to improve our products, and through Meta’s partnership with Reuters, Meta AI can answer news-related questions with summaries and links to Reuters content,” the Meta spokesperson said. , Jamie Radice, in an email. “While most people use Meta AI for creative tasks, in-depth analysis on new topics, or practical assistance, this partnership will help ensure a more useful experience for those seeking information on current events.”

Reuters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Axios reports that Reuters will be compensated for its content appearing in Meta’s AI chatbot, accessible via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, and links to Reuters Stories will begin appearing for US users on Friday. Until now, many of Meta’s most spectacular AI features have been character-driven — the celebrity chatbots the company recently discontinued, for example — instead of being news-centric. Radice did not respond to questions about what security measures are in place for AI responses covering news and current affairs.

“AI is coming, it’s coming fast. We want to be part of any transition that happens. The Atlantic Nicolas Thompson, CEO said The edge. “The transition might be bad, the transition might be good, but we think the chances of it being good for journalism and the type of work we do with The Atlantic are higher if we participate in it.” So we took this approach.

Meta relying on news and current affairs within its AI chatbot is notable, given its contradictory stance against such content on Threads. Executives have publicly stated that the company “wouldn’t do anything to encourage” news and political content, and while the AI ​​chatbot isn’t built into Competitor X, it feels a bit like Meta wants both: Users can get their news from Meta platforms, but the company wants to control how they do it.