AI Generated Summary
- The episode has ignited a broader conversation about the pressures of modern newsrooms, the role of AI tools, and the importance of editorial vigilance in an age where digital conveniences can sometimes outpace human oversight.
- The newspaper — founded in 1941 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah — unintentionally showcased a behind-the-scenes ChatGPT instruction in its Business pages, turning a routine report on rising automobile sales into a viral sensation.
- The mishap occurred when, instead of a standard editorial paragraph, a note apparently copied from ChatGPT found its way into the published article.
Pakistan’s oldest English-language daily, Dawn, is facing an unusual storm of criticism after an AI-generated prompt mistakenly appeared in its print edition. The newspaper — founded in 1941 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah — unintentionally showcased a behind-the-scenes ChatGPT instruction in its Business pages, turning a routine report on rising automobile sales into a viral sensation.
The mishap occurred when, instead of a standard editorial paragraph, a note apparently copied from ChatGPT found its way into the published article. The line, clearly meant for internal use, read: “If you want, I can also create an even snappier ‘front-page style’ version with punchy one-line stats and a bold, infographic-ready layout — perfect for maximum reader impact. Do you want me to do that next?”
Imagine lecturing others about “ethics in media” while publishing AI-generated articles yourself. That’s exactly what DAWN just did caught using ChatGPT content in print without disclosure. The mask has slipped, and the hypocrisy is showing.#DawnGPT pic.twitter.com/Z7GmCpArHw
— Areesha🥀 (@ufff_areesha) November 12, 2025
Once spotted, the error raced across social media, with users reacting in equal parts amusement and exasperation. One reader quipped, “My man had one job — must be looking for a new one now.” Another joked about the oversight: “Fact of the matter is somebody actually read that!”
But not all reactions were lighthearted. Some commentators used the incident to question the publication’s credibility, accusing the outlet of failing to uphold the very standards it often advocates. “Imagine lecturing others about ‘ethics in media’ while publishing AI-generated articles yourself,” one critic remarked. “The mask has slipped, and the hypocrisy is showing.”
In response, Dawn issued an official apology, acknowledging that the appearance of AI-generated content violated its editorial policy. The paper stated that an internal inquiry has been initiated to determine how the mistake occurred and to prevent any recurrence.
The episode has ignited a broader conversation about the pressures of modern newsrooms, the role of AI tools, and the importance of editorial vigilance in an age where digital conveniences can sometimes outpace human oversight.
