The Italian newspaper 'Il Foglio' has released an edition entirely generated by AI, marking (as far as we know) an unprecedented step in journalism. This four-page supplement, 'Il Foglio AI,' accompanies the regular print edition and is accessible online. ?

The initiative is part of a month-long experiment led by editor Claudio Cerasa, aiming to explore AI's impact on journalistic practices and daily life. Cerasa emphasised that AI was utilised for all aspects of the edition, including writing, headlines, quotes, and summaries, with journalists' roles limited to inputting questions and reviewing AI-generated responses. ?

The AI-generated content covers a range of topics. The front page analyses US President Donald Trump's Italian supporters, highlighting contradictions in their stance on 'cancel culture.' Another prominent article examines Russian President Vladimir Putin's '10 betrayals,' detailing two decades of unfulfilled promises and broken agreements. Additionally, an economic piece discusses Italy's recent income tax reforms, noting salary increases for approximately 750,000 workers. ?

The edition addresses contemporary social issues, such as young Europeans' shift away from traditional relationships, coining the term 'situationships.' The final page includes AI-generated letters to the editor, one of which humorously questions whether AI will render humans 'useless' in the future.

The AI responds wittily, acknowledging its limitations by stating it 'doesn't yet know how to order a coffee without getting the sugar wrong.' ?

While the articles are clear and free of grammatical errors, they notably lack direct human quotations, showing current limitations in AI-generated journalism.

Cerasa describes 'Il Foglio AI' as a genuine newspaper, embodying news, debate, and provocation. He views it as a practical test to understand how AI can be integrated into daily journalistic routines, encouraging contemplation of the broader questions this technology raises.

Cerasa concludes by suggesting that this edition represents 'just another Il Foglio made with intelligence,' challenging readers to reconsider the definition of AI.