AI Usage Policy

We use AI like a toolbelt, not like a puppet master. It helps us stay sharp, stay lawful, and keep our standards clean.

Last updated: January 10, 2026

1) The Honest Truth: We Use AI

TVOTT Hillbilly News uses AI tools as a behind-the-scenes assistant. We use it to help with organization, writing structure, summarizing, spelling/grammar, and making sure what we publish is handled responsibly. This policy explains how we use it and what it does not do.

2) Why We Use AI

We don’t use AI to replace our voice. We use it to protect our platform and our community, including:

• Safety & Legal Guardrails: helping us avoid defamation, harassment, threats, doxxing, or reckless claims that could get people hurt or get us sued.
• Clarity: cleaning up wording so messages are easier to understand without changing what we mean.
• Consistency: keeping our policies, disclaimers, and standards steady across content.
• Efficiency: saving time on formatting, drafts, and summaries so we can focus on real reporting and community work.

3) Make No Mistake: Our Content Is Our Responsibility

AI does not “run” TVOTT Hillbilly News. We do. When you see a post, headline, article, or statement from us, it represents our viewpoint and our decision to publish. AI may help with the wording, but the final call is always human.

4) What AI Is NOT Allowed To Do Here

• No auto-defamation: We do not use AI to accuse people of crimes or label someone as guilty without lawful proof.
• No doxxing: AI is not used to publish private addresses, phone numbers, IDs, or personal data.
• No incitement: AI is not used to encourage harm, violence, or vigilantism.
• No “fake evidence”: AI is not used to create fake documents, fake receipts, or fake proof to make someone look guilty or innocent.
• No impersonation: AI is not used to pretend to be someone else or fabricate quotes as “fact.”

5) Accuracy, Verification, and Corrections

AI can be helpful, but it can also be wrong. That’s why we treat AI output like a rough draft, not a gospel. We aim to verify key facts through credible sources. If something is wrong, misleading, or outdated, we will correct it when we can confirm the accurate information.

6) AI for Moderation and Community Safety

We may use AI-assisted tools to help spot threats, harassment, spam, scams, or rule-breaking behavior. That doesn’t mean AI decides who stays or goes. Humans make moderation decisions, and we use judgment, context, and evidence.

7) Privacy and Sensitive Information

Don’t send sensitive information you wouldn’t want shared. If you submit tips or messages, keep it smart: avoid private addresses, bank info, Social Security numbers, or anything that could put you or someone else at risk. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

8) Transparency

We believe in being upfront. If we use AI in ways that materially affect how content is produced or presented, we will do our best to explain it clearly. We’re not here to trick anybody. We’re here to communicate responsibly.

9) Contact

Questions about AI use on TVOTT Hillbilly News? Contact us through our Contact page.