Dependencies
who controls the technology you rely on and what risks it entails
Most AI tools are run by companies outside the newsroom. This card looks at who controls the technology you depend on, what happens if it changes, and how much of your work rests on it. A team pauses here to notice where it has handed over control without quite meaning to.
Questions to explore
- Which AI tools would disrupt your work most if they changed price, terms, or shut down?
- Who controls the tools you rely on, and what do you actually know about them?
- What would you do if a key tool became unavailable next week?
- How much of your workflow now assumes a specific company's product will keep working?
- Where are you locked in, and how hard would it be to switch?
Expert voices
“AI tools are black boxes. What do we not know about their training and datasets that we should know?”
“AI tools can compromise editorial independence through built-in biases, commercial pressures from vendors, or algorithmic influence on coverage decisions.”
“When choosing AI tools, look at the developers behind them. What are the red flags in existing AI tool companies, and what is acceptable?”
“Are you contributing to a diverse and pluralistic information ecosystem, or are you dependent on Big Tech? Ask seriously whether you can use alternatives.”
Things to consider
- A free tool today can change its terms or price tomorrow.
- Depending on one provider for many tasks concentrates your risk.
- Knowing your exit options is worth more than assuming you will not need them.
Pull Dependencies when it is relevant and set it aside when it is not. Pair it with the other AI Conversations cards, lay them out on a table, and use the questions above to get everyone on the same page. Capture what you discuss on sticky notes or in a shared doc.
More AI Conversations cards
