Google has said it is at the “earliest stages” of exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) could “enhance work and productivity” in a newsroom.

However, Google has insisted that it is not trialling the use of AI as a means of replacing journalists.

A Google spokesperson told Sky News that coming up with headlines and suggesting different writing styles were examples of what AI could do in a news media environment.

"Quite simply, these tools are not intended to, and cannot, replace the essential role journalists have in reporting, creating and fact-checking their articles," the spokesperson added.

According to the New York Times (NYT), executives at publishers who have seen Google's pitch called it “unsettling”.

A spokesperson for News Corp, owner of The Sun and The Times, told the NYT: “We have an excellent relationship with Google, and we appreciate [Google CEO] Sundar Pichai's long-term commitment to journalism."

A recent open letter called on the UK government and industry to recognise AI as a “force for good” rather than an “existential threat to humanity”.

The letter, circulated by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has been signed by 1300 people, including Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, the chief executive of social enterprise Stemettes, which encourages girls and young women to pursue STEM careers, entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Ken Olisa OBE.

Meanwhile, the UK government recently said it would be roping in “tech gurus” to teach AI skills to civil servants.

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