Sports Illustrated: Fake-Looking Authors and AI Content Backlash

Nov 2023

Sports Illustrated faced criticism after product review articles appeared under profiles with AI-looking headshots and shifting bylines; content was removed and a partner relationship ended.

Incident Details

Perpetrator:Commerce Editorial

Severity:Facepalm

Blast Radius:Content takedowns; partner terminated; trust erosion

Tech Stack

Content CommerceGenerative ToolsHeadshot Generators

References

The Verge: Sports Illustrated reportedly used fake AI authors ↗The Guardian: Sports Illustrated accused of publishing AI-written articles ↗Futurism investigation (original report) ↗BBC News: Sports Illustrated accused of publishing AI-written articles ↗Washington Post: Sports Illustrated’s use of AI infuriates a staff already in turmoil ↗