In response to a reader's complaint regarding the high percentage of AI-generated material in a columnist's writings, Folha's ombudsman conducted tests to verify the claim using AI detection tools. The results consistently indicated that the majority of the columnist's texts were produced by artificial intelligence, raising questions about the authenticity of the content being published.

The use of AI in journalism has become a controversial topic, particularly when it comes to transparency in how news outlets communicate the origins of their content. While tools like Pangram and WinstonAI suggested that nearly all of the columnist's work was AI-generated, there are still discussions on the implications of such findings. The journalist pointed out that the paper does not prohibit AI-generated text but also has not disclosed to readers that it is publishing content created by AI, suggesting a lack of clarity in the publication's policies.

As trust in journalism is crucial, the revelation of AI-generated columns could undermine reader confidence if not communicated properly. This incident highlights the importance of ethical considerations and the responsibility of media organizations to inform their audience about the sources and nature of the content they consume. The ombudsman's inquiry into this matter may lead to heightened scrutiny of AI-generated journalism and more stringent guidelines in the future.