SWCC Approves Generative AI Ethical Guidelines:
Survey Results and What’s Next
The Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) has taken a major step forward in supporting ethical, transparent, and responsible use of generative AI by approving new Generative AI Ethical Guidelines for its members. This decision comes after a comprehensive member survey earlier this year that explored how science writers and communicators across Canada are using AI, what benefits and concerns they see, and what support they want from SWCC.
Key Survey FindingsAdoption is Mixed: 16% of respondents use generative AI frequently, while 36% use it occasionally. However, 38% do not use AI and do not plan to. Popular Uses: Members who use AI rely on it for summarizing complex topics, brainstorming, writing and editing, and translation. Benefits: Increased productivity and creative support were the most widely cited advantages. Concerns: The majority of respondents expressed concerns about accuracy, ethical risks, the potential loss of authentic voice in science communication, potential loss of jobs and intellectual property and copyright concerns. Community Needs: Most members want clear guidelines and training to help them navigate the fast-changing AI landscape. Introducing the SWCC Generative AI Ethical GuidelinesIn response to these findings, the SWCC Board has approved a set of Generative AI Ethical Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to help members use AI responsibly and transparently, protect the integrity of science communication, and ensure public trust. Key principles include: Transparency: Always disclose when Generative AI has been used in content creation. Accuracy and Verification: Human oversight is required to fact-check and verify all AI-generated content. Ethical Use: Avoid using AI in ways that could mislead audiences, propagate bias, or compromise privacy. Attribution and Ownership: Clarify authorship and intellectual property when AI tools contribute to published work. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about evolving AI capabilities, risks, and best practices. The Generative AI Ethical Guidelines can be viewed below. Last updated: June 18, 2025 The Generative AI Ethical GuidelinesNext StepsSWCC will be rolling out online workshops, discussion forums, and resources to help members put these guidelines into practice. We encourage all members to review the guidelines, participate in upcoming events, and share feedback as we continue to support ethical innovation in science communication. |