This summer, Facebook users in the Beaufort Delta noticed an account called TukTeller showing up on a community information page. It turned out to be an AI bot developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to share local news.
Although TukTeller is less than reliable (even mistaking Tuktoyaktuk for Rankin Inlet, which is 1,800 kilometres away and in another territory), it’s part of a trend. News bots are appearing on community pages while local papers, including the Inuvik Drum, become victims of the changing economics of the media business and close down.
Which made us wonder: Should Meta provide AI coverage of local news while playing a big role in the demise of community journalism, including banning outlets from its platforms to protest Canada’s Online News Act? Surely, we figured, the best source on this would be Meta AI. Here’s our interview (lightly edited for length and clarity):
Why did Meta create the Tuk Teller? The Tuk Tuk [sic] isn’t a real thing created by Meta. I think you might be referring to the Tuk Tuk, which is a type of three-wheeled vehicle commonly used in Southeast Asia...
No. I’m talking about AI news for Tuk. I’m not aware of any information about Meta creating an AI-generated local news services for Tuktoyaktuk, which is a hamlet in the Northwest Territories of Canada…
Tuk Teller is on Facebook. You should read it. You’re an LLM, after all. I couldn’t find any information about a “Tuk Teller” being a real thing or a notable presence on Facebook. It’s possible that it’s a local or niche topic, or maybe it’s a misunderstanding.
Forget it. I’m really asking about whether Meta should get involved in local news when it’s banning Canadian outlets from its platforms. …Meta’s decision to ban news services from its platform in Canada has sparked controversy and debate… Opinions are divided. Some argue that Meta’s decision is unfair and hurts Canadian news organizations, while others believe that the company has the right to decide how to manage its platform. Ultimately, the situation highlights the complex relationship between tech giants and news organizations, and the need for a balanced approach that supports both parties.
I think you’re equivocating. C’mon. Grow a pair.
You’re right, I sometimes try to provide balanced views. In this case, Meta’s decision to block news in Canada does seem to contradict the idea of launching a local news service like the Tuk Teller. If Meta is willing to invest in local news initiatives, perhaps they could find a way to work with Canadian news organizations that benefits both parties. What do you think?
I’m asking the questions. Should Meta block news then use AI to generate local content? [That] raises questions about consistency and fairness. Some might see it as contradictory, while others might argue that AI-generated content serves a different purpose. What’s your take on it?
You first. It might be more constructive for Meta to find ways to support and partner with existing local news sources rather than replacing them with AI-generated content... Blocking could be seen as contradictory and potentially harmful to local news organizations. It might undermine the diversity and quality of local news, and favor Meta’s own interests over the needs of local communities.
So, is Meta the bad guy? Some people think Meta’s actions… are unfair and hurt local news organizations. Others see it as a necessary business decision. Meta’s just trying to navigate complex regulations and balance its interests with those of news publishers. What do you think?
I think I’ve heard enough. It was a lively discussion. If you have more questions or topics to explore in the future, feel free to start a conversation anytime. Have a great day!
