Am I Cheating if AI Helps Me Write?

How (and Why) I Created an Ethics Statement on Transparency, Sponsorship, and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Every day, I turn to general artificial intelligence (GAI) tools more frequently to help me do my work and enhance my daily life. Whether brainstorming newsletter ideas, organizing my thoughts for speeches, or planning a vacation itinerary, these tools help me complete tasks faster and often better than I might alone.

But relying increasingly on GAI products raises tricky ethical questions we're all still navigating. Should I always disclose when I’m using the? Does it matter if I’m simply brainstorming ideas versus using them to directly shape my written content? Is a general, blanket disclosure sufficient, or do I owe my readers precise, detailed transparency?

These aren’t just theoretical questions—they’re real scenarios I've faced repeatedly in recent months. For instance, what happens when a tool offers up a fantastic, insightful phrase, and after diligent checking, it seems original and unused by anyone else? Should I treat it as an idea from a human editor or something fundamentally different?

In addition to these questions about GAI, this week marks another significant step for this newsletter: I'm running sponsored advertising. Last year, I did have two sponsored pieces of content with Google that I disclosed, but this is the first proper ad. Starting this week and for two weeks, Microsoft is advertising its new white paper about protecting the public from abusive AI. I plan to introduce more sponsored content, highlighting why transparency around income sources is crucial.

These two developments—expanded GAI use and sponsorships—prompted me to create a comprehensive ethics and transparency disclosure statement. I want to share how I generate income, use technology like GAI, manage sponsored content, and handle reader data.

Here are some highlights of what my ethics statement covers:

• GAI Use: I outline how I use GAI tools like ChatGPT and Claude in idea generation, drafting, editing, and occasional image creation. Whenever a GAI tool contributes significantly, I verify originality carefully and credit any external sources as needed.

• Sharing Content with GAI Models: I regularly input my own writing into GAI models, accepting the tradeoffs because of the value I gain. However, I never include confidential client details or sensitive personal information.

• Sponsored Content and Affiliate Links: I mark any sponsored content or affiliate links to differentiate them from editorial content, maintaining strict editorial control and integrity.

• Human Collaboration: I disclose the support I receive from Marcus, who formats links and maintains the calendar, and from Ana, who tracks election dates and cycles.

• Photos and Images: I explain that my images come from sources like Vault Stock, Unsplash, and Editorial Stock Images. Occasionally, I edit my photography with my iPhone or Lightroom.

• Income Transparency: I explicitly state that most of my content will remain free and widely available, but my upcoming "How-To" series—content reflecting specialized expertise for which I'm typically compensated—will be behind a paywall. This approach attempts to balance accessibility with the value of specialized knowledge fairly.

• Acknowledging Bias: I openly admit that my perspective and experiences shape my content, underscoring that transparency around biases strengthens rather than diminishes trust and credibility.

---

SPONSORED CONTENT

New technologies like AI supercharge creativity, business, and more. At the same time, we must take steps to ensure AI is resistant to abuse. Our latest white paper, "Protecting the Public from Abusive AI-Generated Content across the EU," highlights the weaponization of women’s nonconsensual imagery, AI-powered scams and financial fraud targeting older adults, and the proliferation of synthetic child sexual abuse.

The paper outlines steps Microsoft is taking to combat these risks and provides recommendations as to how the EU's existing regulatory framework can be used to combat the abuse of AI-generated content by bad actors. We thank Women Political Leaders, the MenABLE project, the Internet Watch Foundation, the WeProtect Global Alliance, and the European Senior’s Union for their important work and support. Click here to read more.

---

But why now?

Transparency isn’t merely good ethics—it's foundational to trust. As GAI tools become widespread, readers understandably wonder what is genuinely human and what is machine-assisted. Clarifying my use of GAI proactively addresses these concerns.

Additionally, clear disclosures around sponsorship and income sources reinforce integrity, ensuring my readers know exactly when financial interests might intersect with my content.

Finally, openly discussing biases acknowledges the complexity of any individual's perspective. Being transparent about my background and influences allows readers to better evaluate my content in context.

This ethics statement will evolve, like our collective understanding of AI’s societal role. I aim to set a standard for openness, encourage conversation, and adapt as we learn together.

I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. Are you grappling with similar issues related to GAI ethics and transparency? How do you handle disclosures in your work or life? Are there more disclosures you think I’m missing?

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Your trust and engagement make this work meaningful and possible.

The complete Ethics and Transparency Disclosure is here.