The Norwegian paper has launched heiVG, an AI-driven news assistant powered by ChatGPT.
Norwegian news outlet VG has launched heiVG, a conversational AI assistant developed in collaboration with Aftonbladet, its Swedish sister paper in the Schibsted Media stable. Powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the tool allows users to interact with news content, access summaries of current events and receive practical information on everyday topics from meal ideas to local updates.
Described as a non-editorial service, heiVG is embedded in selected VG articles and available directly via the VG website. It enables users to ask questions about VG’s reporting or broader news trends and receive quick, AI-generated responses. While based on VG’s content and ChatGPT’s broader knowledge base, the tool is positioned as a support platform, not a replacement for human journalism.
Users are reminded that heiVG may not always provide accurate information and that any questions requiring further context or clarification should be directed to the newsroom. Journalists’ names in articles are linked to their email addresses, and tips can be sent in to the paper.
VG has built the service with a strong emphasis on privacy. Chat histories are not saved to user profiles and data is not shared with third parties. No login is required to use the tool. Although designed primarily for Norwegian users, heiVG can understand multiple languages.
The project is part of VG’s broader exploration into how AI can enhance digital news delivery without compromising editorial standards. Unlike tools that mimic editorial voice or decision-making, heiVG is positioned as a neutral, non-opinionated chatbot that offers fast, conversational support.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.inma.org/blogs/smart-data-initiative/post.cfm/ai-generated-summaries-increase-reader-engagement-at-vg – This article discusses how VG has implemented AI-generated summaries for their articles, leading to increased reader engagement, particularly among young readers.
- https://vydavatelia.sk/2024/04/17/norways-vg-finding-success-with-six-ai-related-newsroom-tools/ – This piece highlights VG’s development and success with various AI tools, including Jojo, a transcription tool for journalists, and the Statistics Agent for creating charts and graphics.
- https://www.journalisten.no/vg-tar-i-bruk-chatgpt-til-oppsummering-av-artikler/565320 – This article reports on VG’s use of ChatGPT to generate article summaries, aiming to make content more accessible and engaging for readers.
- https://www.kode24.no/artikkel/vg-blokkerer-chatgpt-vi-vil-ha-kontroll-over-innholdet-vart/80128253 – This article details VG’s decision to block ChatGPT from accessing their website to maintain control over their content and protect their business model.
- https://www.m24.no/kunstig-intelligens-openai-schibsted-media/vg-med-ny-chatbot-en-av-mange-ting-vi-tester/801936 – This piece covers VG’s testing of a new AI chatbot named HeiVG, developed in collaboration with Aftonbladet, to enhance user engagement and information accessibility.
- https://www.m24.no/chatgpt-kunstig-intelligens-openai/schibsted-media-inngar-samarbeid-med-openai/794661 – This article discusses Schibsted Media’s strategic partnership with OpenAI, enabling integration of Schibsted’s journalism into OpenAI’s products, including ChatGPT.
- https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/o3aJym/heivg-ofte-stilte-spoersmaal – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative describes a recently implemented AI tool by VG and Aftonbladet, with no apparent reuse of outdated content or references to deprecated roles/events. Collaboration details and technical specifications align with current AI journalism trends.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes requiring verification were identified. All claims relate to the tool’s features and operational framework, corroborated by the publisher’s own descriptions.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from VG, a major Norwegian news outlet generally considered reliable, though no external third-party verification of the tool’s implementation was confirmed via provided sources.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims align with known AI implementations in journalism (e.g., ChatGPT integrations for news interaction), and privacy/data handling practices described are consistent with industry standards for non-editorial AI tools.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative demonstrates technological plausibility and originates from a reputable publisher, with no evident factual discrepancies. While independent verification of implementation details is unavailable, the description aligns with established AI journalism practices.
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