The growing presence of artificial intelligence in the information ecosystem is profoundly transforming journalistic work, particularly that of fact-checkers. The chapter “Fact-checkers frente a la IA: de verificar bulos a comprobar chatbots” – included in the book Inteligencia Artificial y periodismo: miradas desde la ética – authored by Irene Larraz and Ramón Salaverría, the coordinator of IBERIFIER, examines precisely how verification practices have begun to incorporate AI systems. Irene Larraz is also a professional at Newtral, which is part of IBERIFIER. And the book was published this abril.
According to the researchers, these tools introduce a new level of complexity: while they can produce coherent and plausible responses, they may also generate incorrect or entirely fabricated information, a phenomenon known as algorithmic “hallucinations”. This scenario requires verification professionals to develop new methodologies and technical skills.
The chapter also highlights a structural shift in the role of fact-checkers. Beyond analysing content, they must now assess the functioning of AI systems themselves — including their training data, potential biases, and levels of transparency.
From an ethical standpoint, the researchers stress the need to strengthen editorial responsibility and public trust. Verification is therefore no longer merely a reactive journalistic practice, but also a critical activity in overseeing emerging technologies.
The publication comes at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming central in newsrooms, bringing new challenges — but also opportunities — for contemporary journalism.
More information:
Larraz, I., & Salaverría, R. (2026). Fact-checkers frente a la IA: de verificar bulos a comprobar chatbots. In: Parrat, S., & Chaparro Domínguez, M. Á. (coord.), Inteligencia artificial y periodismo: miradas desde la ética (pp. 244-264). Madrid: Tecnos.
